Vikings top 2022 draft pick set to make his NFL debut in Week 2

Rookie safety Lewis Cine, selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, is set to make his regular-season debut for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.

With his first-ever selection in the NFL Draft as the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decided to use the pick on former Georgia safety Lewis Cine.

Most assumed Cine would step in immediately for the Vikings as the other starting safety next to Harrison Smith, but Camryn Bynum actually ended up winning that role over the rookie this summer.

Minnesota fans still don’t really know what to expect from Cine this year, especially since he missed last week’s win over the Green Bay Packers due to a knee injury. But in Week 2, we should be able to see what the rookie safety can add to the Vikings this season as he is expected to make his on-field debut against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night according to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson.

Could the Minnesota Vikings use Lewis Cine to help stop Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts?

If Cine actually does end up taking the field for Minnesota on Monday, it’s possible that he could play a major role in containing Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Hurts, who rushed for 90 yards last week, is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the entire NFL. The Vikings not only have to worry about him utilizing A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Philadelphia’s passing attack on Monday, but they need to make sure he doesn’t gash them with his legs too.

It’s entirely possible that Minnesota could use Cine to spy on Hurts for a portion of the matchup. The Vikings rookie has elite speed and quickness that could be useful in Minnesota’s efforts to slow down the Eagles quarterback.

Whether Cine is used in the role or not, he is expected to suit up for the Vikings on Monday no matter what. Hopefully, the game in Philadelphia marks the beginning of an impressive career for the young Minnesota safety.