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2022 NFL Draft: 5 Underrated prospects to watch out for

By Khari Demos

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Defensive end George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Defensive end George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Draft
2022 NFL Draft: Anthony Summey #28 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after catching the ball for an interception with teammate Lewis Cine #16 in the third quarter of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tideduring the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Underrated 2022 NFL Draft prospect #3: Lewis Cine (SS) — Georgia

The National Champions had a historic defense during the 2021 season, allowing 10.2 points per game. And while Trevon Walker, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and Devonte Wyatt may be some of the most recognizable names from the team, Cine was a major factor in the title as well.

Cine led the team in tackles (73) and pass deflections (9), but those numbers don’t show what type of headhunter the DB is. Even at 6-foot-1 and 200-pounds, Cine is not afraid to throw his body around as a heat-seeking missile.

I mean, did you see how he rocked Kyle Pitts during the 2020 season? Granted, that play was illegal, but Cine really may be the most fearsome safety in the draft.

I also like Cine as a player in coverage as well, as he has the ability to play off the ball in zone coverage, as well as manning up if need be. Boosting up his overall PFF grade of 82.4 was his 81.4 coverage grade, in addition to an 84.9 tackling grade. The former Bulldog also allowed an 81.0 passer rating last season.

The thing I like about Cine is he dissects plays very well and he has no hesitation when pursuing opponents. Just look at another play he made in the ‘Dawgs’ win over Alabama in the CFP title game.

There has to be concern about Cine’s playing style with his slender frame, but he started in all 25 of Georgia’s games over the past two seasons. As much ability as he has, Cine has been just as available.

Kyle Hamilton is a wonderful player, of course. But Cine is another impact safety to keep an eye out for.

Potential team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Although the Steelers have former All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick at free safety, the team has struggled to find a viable partner for him at strong safety. Miles Killebrew is slated to start at SS after making four starts in his six-year career, and the Steelers also have Karl Joseph in the fold now after back-to-back seasons with sub-53 PFF grades.

I think Mike Tomlin, Grady Brown, and Brian Flores should be able to get a lot out of Cine as a drop safety. This will allow Fitzpatrick to focus more on coverage after he had a disappointing 2021 campaign (59.8 PFF grade), but provided elite play in his first two seasons in Pittsburgh (79.5 in 2020, 79.8 in 2019).

Plus, I think Flores’ experience with a well-rounded safety like Jevon Holland last season can help Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin come up with creative ways to use a player like Cine.

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