Lewis Cine Drafted by Vikings: Minnesota’s Updated Depth Chart After Round 1

With the No. 32 pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings opted to improve their secondary by selecting Georgia Bulldogs safety Lewis Cine. 

Here's a look at Minnesota's updated defensive depth chart:

LDE: Harrison Phillips, Jaylen Twyman, T.J. Smith

NT: Dalvin Tomlinson, Jordon Scott, TY McGill

DT: Armon Watts, James Lynch, Jullian Taylor

OLB: Za'Darius Smith, D.J. Wonnum, Janarius Robinson

ILB: Jordan Hicks, Troy Dye, Chazz Surratt

ILB: Eric Kendricks, Blake Lynch, Ryan Connelly, Tuf Borland

OLB: Danielle Hunter, Kenny Willekes, Patrick Jones II

LCB: Patrick Peterson, Nate Hairston, Harrison Hand

SS: Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus

FS: Camryn Bynum, Lewis Cine, Myles Dorn

RCB: Cameron Dantzler, Kris Boyd, Tye Smith

SCB: Chandon Sullivan, Parry Nickerson

Cine had an outstanding junior season for the Georgia Bulldogs, finishing with one interception, nine passes defended and 73 tackles in 15 games. He was named defensive MVP of the national championship game against Alabama after recording one pass defended, one tackle for loss and seven tackles.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department considered the 22-year-old as the fourth-best safety in the 2022 draft. He increased his draft stock at the combine by recording a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, 36.5-inch vertical and 133-inch broad jump.

B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings noted Cine's "good feel and anticipation in coverage," solid vision and awareness and good physicality.

The addition of Cine made a lot of sense for Minnesota. Behind Harrison Smith, the Vikings don't have much depth at the position, and Cine provides the franchise with a potential long-term solution. 

Camryn Bynum, a 2021 fourth-round pick, appeared in 14 games for the Vikings last season, starting three, and recorded one interception, one sack, three passes defended and 28 tackles.

That said, Cine could take over for Bynum at safety, which would allow the Vikings to move the California product to his natural position at cornerback. 

This is the first time Minnesota has selected a safety in the first round since they drafted Smith 29th overall in 2012.