The Atlanta Falcons should draft this former Georgia Bulldog

Of all of the Georgia Bulldogs on the draft board, one of them, in particular, should stick out to the Atlanta Falcons, Lewis Cine.

Cine, a First Team All-SEC selection and the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Defensive MVP, has proved himself to be a tough, physical safety that can also understand routes and make clean tackles.

Cine is a projected second-round pick in the NFL Draft. After his impressive performance at the NFL Combine, his stock could rise dramatically.

However, with the Falcons having the 43rd pick, they could land the Georgia standout, especially if they trade for a higher second-round pick.

In 2021, Cine racked up 73 total tackles (43 solos), two tackles for loss, nine passes defended, and an interception.

During his three-year career with the Georgia Bulldogs, he started every game of the season his last two seasons and earned two starts his freshman year.

In his 31 games with the Bulldogs, he amassed 144 total tackles (95 solos), three and a half tackles for loss, 14 passes defended, and two interceptions.

On the current Falcons depth chart, Jaylinn Hawkins and Duron Harmon are listed as starters with Shawn Williams and Richie Grant being listed as backups. With the potential departure of both Harmon and Williams in free agency, the Falcons would need to draft a safety in this draft.

Plugging in the 2021 AP All-American would bolster an already depleted safety group. Assuming both Harmon and Williams leave in free agency, this pick seems even better for the Falcons to consider.

Cine has already shown out in the NFL Combine, showcasing his blazing speed running a 4.37 official 40-yard dash.

Apart from his speed, Cine showcased his pure athleticism at the NFL Combine, dazzling scouts with a 36.5″ vertical and 11’1″ broad jump.

Cine also reportedly shined in his interviews, a huge part of the NFL Combine.

With Cine’s versatility, he could fit virtually any defensive scheme. Georgia’s defense ranked among the elite defenses in the nation all season, and Cine played key roles all over the field in every game.

However, his proven athletic ability would be huge for a Falcons team that needs someone to play man-to-man coverage. His proven pass breakup ability is a need that the Falcons need to address, as Atlanta allowed a 29th ranked 67.76% opponent completion percentage.

Overall, Lewis Cine is a proven safety that has displayed great athleticism in both his play and at the NFL Combine. A player like Cine would be a great pick for the Falcons, who look to bolster their safety room in the upcoming NFL Draft.