5 best pairings on the Minnesota Vikings roster in 2022

Harrison Smith & Lewis Cine – S

The Vikings found themselves a stable presence to put alongside Harrison Smith when Lewis Cine was their first-round choice at No. 32 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. If the rookie and the All-Pro hit it off from the outset, then it will only enhance the team’s chances of a postseason return next season.

Smith’s credentials need no introduction. He’s been a dominant figure on the backend from the moment he entered the NFL and although the Notre Dame product is now 33 years old, there appears plenty of quality production left based on his efforts last season.

There weren’t many prospects that helped their draft stock more than Cine in 2021. His hard-hitting and natural instincts to be around the football consistently played a leading role in the Georgia Bulldogs clinching the national college football championship, which surged him up big board across the country in the process.

Cine couldn’t ask for a better guide than Smith. A proven performer that has been at the highest level for a decade and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.

The early signs are positive regarding Cine making his presence first during early offseason workouts. If he can build on this positive momentum in training camp, then the Vikings can feel confident about throwing him in at the deep end immediately.