Jets Add Lewis Cine to Defense for 2024 Season
The New York Jets have bolstered their defensive depth by signing former Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine to their practice squad. This move, reported by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, is aimed at strengthening the team’s secondary and providing additional depth at safety.
Background on Lewis Cine:
- Draft and Career Start: Cine, drafted 32nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, began his career with high expectations. He was a standout player for the Georgia Bulldogs, contributing to their back-to-back National Championships in 2021 and 2022.
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Injury Setback: Cine’s rookie season was marred by a leg fracture sustained in Week 4, which limited his playing time significantly. Over his first two seasons, he managed only 10 defensive snaps, recording just one tackle.
Current Situation:
- Jets’ Defensive Lineup: The Jets’ current safety starters are Tony Adams and Chuck Clark, with Ashtyn Davis and Isaiah Oliver as backups. Oliver, originally a cornerback, was transitioned to safety in the offseason. With Cine joining the team, he is expected to provide additional depth and potentially be elevated to the 53-man roster once he becomes familiar with the playbook.
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Practice Squad and Potential: Cine’s addition to the practice squad reflects the Jets’ intent to evaluate and develop his skills further. His preseason performances, where he played a team-high 150 snaps and recorded 13 tackles and one sack, demonstrated his potential and readiness to contribute.
Analysis of Cine’s Fit:
- Strengths and Criticisms: Known for his hard-hitting style and in-the-box safety play, Cine brings a physical edge to the secondary. However, there have been concerns about his size and fundamentals, which some critics felt limited his effectiveness in the NFL. The Vikings’ decision to draft him in the first round, instead of selecting standout safety Kyle Hamilton, was controversial.
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Opportunity with the Jets: The Jets’ coaching staff will be looking to harness Cine’s skills and potentially unlock more of his potential than what was seen in Minnesota. The team’s defensive needs and Cine’s past performance in college provide a promising backdrop for his role with the Jets.
Future Outlook:
- Development and Integration: Cine’s ability to adapt to the Jets’ defensive schemes and prove his value in practice will be crucial. His return to his previous position as a nickelback could help him regain form and contribute effectively.
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Impact on the Roster: If Cine impresses during practice and integrates well with the existing defensive lineup, he could earn a spot on the 53-man roster. The Jets’ decision to sign him reflects their belief in his potential and their strategy to enhance their defensive depth.
Conclusion:
Lewis Cine’s signing represents a calculated risk for the Jets, aiming to leverage his championship experience and physical playstyle to enhance their defense. As he works to acclimate to the team and demonstrate his abilities, Cine’s journey with the Jets will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.