Once touted as the heir to Harrison Smith in the Minnesota Vikings’ roster, former first-round pick Lewis Cine is now facing stiff competition from emerging safety Theo Jackson.
Jackson, who recently completed a breakout season with career-best statistics of 21 tackles and his inaugural interception, has showcased his skills once again during organized team activities (OTAs).
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis highlighted Jackson as a standout player to watch during the spring sessions, suggesting he could be a viable successor to Smith when the veteran retires.
“In a May 24 mailbag segment, Lewis remarked, ‘Jackson is only 25. The Tennessee Titans drafted him in the sixth round, waived him and wanted to keep him, but the Vikings scooped him up. He is clearly the No. 4 safety on the depth chart and might be a future option post-Harrison Smith.’
The Vikings boast a deep safety room, with Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus, and Smith all tallying over 1,000 snaps last season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has adeptly utilized his top talents, ensuring they see significant playing time.”
Jackson logged 126 defensive snaps across 15 games, establishing himself as the next in line. In contrast, Cine saw action in only one game last season, totaling just eight snaps, and was frequently left off the gameday roster in the latter part of the 2023 season.
According to Lewis, Cine’s chances of making the initial 53-man roster at the end of training camp appear slim, with second-year defensive back Jay Ward poised to secure the fifth and final spot.
“This is arguably the most solid position group on the roster. Smith, Bynum, Metellus, Jackson, and Ward are all but guaranteed spots,” Lewis commented. “Cine’s overall performance and adjustment to Flores’ defensive scheme will determine his fate, but it’s unlikely he’ll outshine any of the other five.”
Playing the “Star” hybrid safety role during his college career, Jackson was accustomed to being a versatile asset on the field. His senior year at Tennessee saw him take on various responsibilities, resulting in an impressive performance in 2021. Jackson recorded 78 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, and returned an interception for a touchdown.
In an interview during the 2022 preseason, Jackson emphasized the demands of his multifaceted role, stating, “You’re really a safety, corner, and linebacker in that scheme. You got to be tough. You got to be smart and fast. You got to be a good ball player.”
This emphasis on versatility resonated with Vikings’ defensive coordinator Flores, who expressed his preference for players who can adapt to multiple positions during his introductory news conference in 2023.
Jackson’s versatility has allowed him to thrive under Flores, seamlessly transitioning between slot cornerback, free safety, and box safety positions. His keen instincts, coupled with his explosiveness demonstrated by impressive combine numbers, have solidified his role in the Vikings’ defense.
With Jackson embodying the qualities the Vikings hoped to see in Cine, it appears that the former Georgia star may be facing his final opportunity to prove his value to the team.
However, concerns have arisen regarding Cine’s lack of involvement on the field and his demeanor off it. Former Vikings linebacker and KFAN sideline reporter Ben Leber observed a notable emotional detachment from Cine, speculating on potential reasons for his struggles since returning from a significant leg injury during his rookie year.
While acknowledging the challenges of recovering from such an injury, Leber highlighted Cine’s apparent difficulty in connecting with teammates and grasping Flores’ defensive scheme.
