Commanders named as ‘best fit’ for Georgia defensive phenom

The NFL Draft is wildly unpredictable, but the Washington Commanders feel like a safe bet to come out out this month’s showcase with a wide receiver and safety. Where they get taken, of course, is the million-dollar question.

When it comes to the safety position, we wouldn’t say Washington has a glaring need. After re-signing Bobby McCain to a two-year deal and Kamren Curl still on a rookie contract as one of the most underrated strong safeties in the league, the No. 11 overall pick feels too high to draft one for our liking.

But the second round? Absolutely.

Following the release of Landon Collins, Washington needs someone who can fill the Buffalo nickel role. In that role, Collins was tasked with setting the tone against the run, rushing the quarterback and handling the occasional coverage snap.

It was the best way to maximize his skillet. As a coverage safety, Collins is one of the worst defenders in the sport. Before his season ended due to a foot injury, the former All-Pro filled the Buffalo nickel role to a tee.

So, which prospect could step in as Collins’ replacement?

If you asked analyst Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, he’d peg Georgia’s Lewis Cine as that guy. In a recent article, Fowler named the Commanders as one of the four best fits for the former Bulldogs phenom.

Lewis Cine would be a dream draft pick for the Commanders.

Here’s what Fowler said of Cine’s fit in Washington.

"“Although Kam Curl and Bobby McCain look to start opposite each other come Week One, the departure of Landon Collins leaves a massive hole at the buffalo nickel spot and Cine would be able to fill Collins’ shoes – and then some – as a three-level defender. … “"

Fowler is definitely barking up the right tree here. The only caveat of Cine fitting with Washington is that he might not be available at pick No. 47. Given how much he’s soared up draft boards since the Combine and in recent weeks as analysts have gotten into the weeds of his college film, Cine could be a first-round pick.

Should he fall out of Round 1, though, we wouldn’t be opposed to the Commanders potentially trading up a few picks to grab him. That’s how good he is.

At 6-foot-2 with ideal length, a 4.37 40-yard dash, a 1.51 10-yard split and a 133-inch broad jump that ranked in the 96th percentile, Cine posted a 9.92 RAS (relative athletic score) that placed him eighth of 846 safeties tested since 1987.

The Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist is on the thinner side for a defensive back, but you wouldn’t know it based on his playing style, as he’s one of the hardest — and most consistent — tacklers of any defender in this year’s class.

Anyone else watch that highlight on a loop? Lined up in the box (!), Cine makes an excellent read to blow up a designed screen. The patience on display is impressive, but the ferocity in which he exploded to make the tackle really stands out.

That play encapsulates everything Cine offers as a defender, and he’d be a fantastic fit in Washington, as Fowler so eloquently noted. Should he come into play for the Commanders, the card should be handed in within seconds of them being on the lock.

With McCain, Curl and Cine manning the defensive backfield, Washington would suddenly have three safeties who could play multiple positions.