Jonathan Cyprien: Video Highlights from Former Florida International SS

Former Florida International strong safety Jonathan Cyprien was one of the fastest risers up draft boards after his Senior Bowl performance.

There has been little doubt that Cyprien possesses great athleticism and talent at the safety position. However, due to his conference, it was difficult to tell how it would translate against more difficult opponents from larger schools.

After working alongside the safeties from more dominant conferences, scouts were able to see that Cyprien is not just as good as these safeties, he is better.

Now, Cyprien could be targeted in the late portion of the first round in this year’s draft. Here are some highlight videos that will show exactly how he got himself into this position.

Highlight Reel vs. Duke, 2012

During these highlights, many different aspects of Cyprien’s game are on display.

Take notice of the many different positions in which he lines up. He is seen in deep zone, covering a slot receiver, up in the box for run support, as a blitzer and in man coverage on a tight end. He is a very versatile player already and can only improve at the next level.

Also, in this video, Cyprien shows that he has great tackling fundamentals. He gets his pads down, wraps up with both arms and uses his weight to pull down the ball-carrier.

Senior Bowl Film, 2013

This video starts with some individual drills with Cyprien. Right away, his size and athleticism stand out against prospects from larger schools.

Cyprien shows his versatility at the safety position in practice and in game footage. His most impressive feature is his ability to be a solid contributor against the run. He attacks the box quickly and uses his good vision to find and bring down the ball-carrier.

Another phase of Cyprien’s game that is on display here is his ability to play in zone and man coverage. This versatility will make him much more popular with NFL defensive coordinators.

Cyprien flies around the field in this video and always seems to find himself near the football. His high motor is certainly an aspect that has allowed his draft stock to rise.

Highlight Reel vs. Florida Atlantic, 2012

Early in this video, Cyprien lines up in the box. He is used on a blitz during one passing play, but is primarily used in run support in these situations. Cyprien shows great ability to shed blocks on the line and find the ball-carrier quickly.

At 33 seconds, Cyprien delivers a “wow” hit. He reads the swing pass very early and makes a quick break on the running back. He finishes the play off with a jaw-dropping hit.

Cyprien is in single-high safety coverage at 2:28 in the video. He reads the quarterback’s eyes while dropping deeper into coverage. When he sees the quarterback focus on an intermediate target, Cyprien changes direction quickly and gets to the receiver to deliver a huge hit, which knocks the ball loose.

At the 4:06 mark, Cyprien drops into deep coverage. He reads the quarterback's eyes very well again and notices that the ball will be thrown to his side of the field. He makes a very early break on the ball and comes away with a huge interception.

Highlight Reel vs. Western Kentucky, 2012

The very first play of this highlight reel is extremely important. Cyprien lines up in punt coverage on special teams. He is able to get downfield rather quickly to help force a minimal return. NFL teams should like the possibility of Cyprien possibly doubling as a gunner on punts. Cyprien is in as a gunner on special teams again at 2:55.

Due to Western Kentucky’s run-first offense, Cyprien is featured inside the box in run support for a good portion of this video. There are plenty of instances that showcase his ability to make great tackles in space.

Highlight Reel vs. Louisville, 2012

Only 19 seconds into the video, Cyprien shows what he can do in deep coverage from the safety position. The quarterback thinks he has a receiver wide open down the right sideline; however, Cyprien makes a great break on the ball and comes up with a huge interception.

At 2:06, Cyprien shows his viciousness on the field. He lowers his shoulder on an intended receiver going over the middle and delivers a bone-crushing hit.

Throughout the entire video, Cyprien shows his ability to make tackles in the open field. He looks to be the last line of defense against a ball-carrier and does not fail to bring him down.

Highlight Reel, 2012

This video encompasses everything there is to like about Cyprien in a condensed format.

Everything he does well is showcased throughout these clips. His hard hitting, textbook tackling, ability to read a quarterback’s eyes, good hands and versatility are all on display.

These highlights combined with his strong showing during the week of the Senior Bowl are the reasons why Cyprien will be a first-round selection in the 2013 NFL draft.

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