Vikings 2022 Draft: Five-round post-Senior Bowl mock draft

Second-Round Pick:

Lewis Cine – S (Georgia)

With Harrison Smith and Xavier Woods both out of contract, acquiring a safety is among the Vikings’ top priorities this offseason. Hopefully, something can be worked out to keep the perennial Pro Bowler around, but that is far from a guarantee considering the franchise is currently $14 million over the cap, according to Spotrac.

Solidifying the backend with a prospect like Lewis Cine is worth considering. The physical prospect comes into the NFL riding on the crest of a wave following an outstanding 2021 campaign with the Georgia Bulldogs, with the player contributing significantly to an exceptional defense that was a key component in the program’s national championship triumph.

Cine has everything one looks for in a tremendous defensive back at the next level. His awareness in coverage has come on leaps and bounds over the last year, with his commanding ability to assist in run support something else that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Providing his transition to the pros goes according to plan, Cine should be a Week 1 starter somewhere, and that might just be in Minnesota when it’s all said and done.

The Vikings could use that given their current predicament. If Smith did extend his stay, it would provide the incoming college recruit with the best possible role model to learn from.