While there will be new faces throughout the Jacksonville Jaguars’ starting lineup under first-year coach Gus Bradley, the biggest facelift may be in the secondary where the Jaguars will have at least three new starters.
In the Jaguars’ first rookie minicamp, however, since last week’s NFL Draft, a burgeoning star has emerged in safety Jonathan Cyprien. Jacksonville reportedly turned down three offers from teams looking to move up to the No. 33 pick when it selected the former Florida International safety with the first pick in the second round. Bradley gushed about Cyprien’s performance throughout minicamp.
"That was one guy who really showed up in my eyes," Bradley told reporters in Jacksonville. "Not only is he playing, but we're watching if they can handle the tempo of practice and the style we're asking. He did a good job leading, too. I was very pleased with his start."
Cyprien (6-0, 217) is regarded as a ball-hawking safety with an ability to make plays on the ball in deep coverage and provide help in run-support. In a 28-21 loss to Louisville last year, Cyprien did not bite on a play-action fake by Teddy Bridgewater and covered significant ground on a leaping interception. Cyprien reminded some draft experts of Ed Reed on the play. In 2012, Cyprien finished with a team-high 93 tackles and four interceptions.
The Jaguars may need to add a veteran pass rusher to help their back end before the start of training camp. All five of the defensive players Jacksonville selected in the draft are defensive backs.
Keep your eye on everything NFL by following Matt Rybaltowski on Twitter @mattrybaltowski.
