Lewis Cine enters the NFL with a fame of being a hard-hitting security who does not shrink back from contact. The previous Georgia Bulldog was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings with the ultimate choose of the primary spherical and is predicted to make an instantaneous impression of their secondary.
Cine had 145 tackles, 16 move breakups and two interceptions over 39 video games in his three seasons at UGA. Final yr, he earned first-team All-SEC honors and was named Defensive MVP of the Faculty Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship Recreation.
The rookie believes he has quite a lot of abilities that can assist the Vikings' protection going ahead.
"For one, I wish to say I’m a problem-solver, the truth that I can do a complete lot of issues," Cine mentioned throughout his introductory press convention this week. "And coaches love that. They don’t desire a one-trick pony. I can run. I bought the scale. I’m sensible. I can do all the things, the entire 9 yards. So the crew isn't just going to place me in a single place or the opposite, they’re going to permit me to play the sport at my full potential."
Cine’s soccer profession has already taken him all around the world.
"He has one of many extra distinctive journeys I've seen," Dane Brugler of The Athletic informed Vikings.com. "Born in Haiti, grew up in Florida, discovered to play soccer in Boston, was a high recruit in Texas and earned All-America standing at Georgia. It does not get rather more numerous than that.
"He is a man you're feeling like is an ascending participant," Brugler added. "You like his soccer IQ and he performs quick, however you would like he made extra performs on the ball in creating interceptions. However he'll come downhill and hit you, he is that kind of imposing security."
Cine is ready to affix a Vikings defensive backfield that features three-time All-Professional Patrick Peterson and 2017 first-team All-Professional Harrison Smith. Peterson, who is ready to start his second season with the Vikings, is already excessive on Cine's potential.
"Yeah, simply his knack for simply desirous to be across the ball," Peterson mentioned. "Wanting that contact, wanting that collision, desirous to be in that fireplace. He desires all of the motion for certain. And you could possibly simply inform he’s nonetheless studying his manner, however as soon as it clicks, he’s gonna be a particular one for certain."
The Vikings earned excessive reward for his or her collection of Cine after buying and selling with the Detroit Lions to maneuver again into the primary spherical.
"For thus lengthy, the Vikings boasted one of many NFL's finest free safeties in Harrison Smith, however age is catching as much as the veteran," FOX Sports activities NFL Draft Analyst Rob Rang mentioned. "Cine catches up with opponents in a flash, and he brings the thunder as a hitter."
The highlight might be on Cine this season because the Vikings look to enhance a defensive unit that ranked thirtieth within the NFL in yards allowed final yr.
