NY Jets sign 2022 first-round pick to practice squad (2024)

By Brandyn Pokrass

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A recent first-round pick has made his way to the New York Jets’ practice squad.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Jets are signing former Vikings safety Lewis Cine to their practice squad.

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The #Jets are signing former #Vikings S Lewis Cine to their practice squad, source says. The former first-round pick gets a fresh start. pic.twitter.com/z8ColYvcUm

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 28, 2024

ESPN’s Rich Cimini added that the “expectation” is for New York to elevate Cine to the active roster once he learns the playbook.

Cine fractured his leg in '22 and played only 10 defensive snaps in 22-23, but he was active this preseason — a team-high 150 snaps on defense, 13 tackles, 1 sack. The expectation is that he will be elevated once he learns the playbook. #Jets https://t.co/DXoWRC8JiP

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 28, 2024

One of the best safeties in college football during his time at Georgia, Cine was selected 32nd overall in the 2022 NFL draft. He was a hard-hitting tackler and had great range in coverage, which Minnesota hoped would translate to the NFL level.

Unfortunately, a major injury derailed the start of Cine’s NFL career. In Week 4 of his rookie year, Cine suffered a compound fracture to his lower left leg, requiring two surgeries and ending his season. The following year, Cine played in only seven games, almost exclusively appearing on special teams.

In 2024, Cine had a productive preseason before being waived by Minnesota, recording 16 tackles, a sack, and an interception.

Cine is a low-risk, high-reward addition for New York. The 24-year-old is only joining the practice squad and will not take up a significant amount of draft or financial capital. If the move does not work out, the Jets can immediately move on from him.

On the other hand, New York has the potential for a big payoff. Cine has a large amount of untapped potential. Head coach Robert Saleh has been known to develop castoff defensive talent, whether it is multiple UDFAs on the defensive line or a former third-round pick like Quincy Williams. There is a possibility that Saleh can develop Cine into a serviceable safety at a minimum and a key contributor on the higher end of the possibilities.

Most practice squad additions do not significantly impact a team’s season. However, Cine’s pedigree and latent talent could make him an exception to the rule.

Brandyn Pokrass

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