Lewis Cine reveals why Kirby Smart is as happy as him about NFL Draft

Lewis Cine was elated to be a first round pick during the 2022 NFL Draft, but the former Georgia star believes Kirby Smart may have him beat.

It’s always a joy when your players get drafted, but the feeling seeing them set records could be even greater. That’s exactly what Georgia did during the first round of the draft, as five Bulldogs defenders were taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft — a new record. Florida State and Miami held the previous record with four in 2006 and 2004, respectively.

According to Cine, Smart may have beat him out for the happiest person involved when the former Georgia safety set the record with the last pick of the first round.

“I’ll tell you who’s happy other than myself, Kirby Smart is happy,” joked Cine. “He’s real happy. He set history for the school. University is excited. So, I think it’s only up from here, in-terms of other guys getting drafted. Who knows, that may not be the only record we set. So, Kirby’s really happy.”

Lewis Cine’s name will forever be etched in Georgia history. Still, record or not, Kirby Smart would be happy for his star defender — but man, setting that mark must feel pretty dang good for the Bulldogs coach.

More on Lewis Cine, Minnesota Vikings

Moreover, the Minnesota Vikings are banking on Georgia product Lewis Cine to come in and transform their secondary. He did it throughout his time in Athens, and the former Bulldogs safety will be expected to do the same in his NFL career. That’s why the Vikings took him off the board early in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, picking him No. 32 overall.

During his time with the Bulldogs, Cine elevated his game consistently, leading an exceptional Georgia defense as part of a tremendous secondary. Last season, Cine realized his dream of bringing a championship to Georgia, helping to end a drought that spanned over 40 years when the Bulldogs defeated Alabama in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Additionally, the former Georgia star received the gigantic honor of being named the 2022 National Championship Defensive MVP for his efforts against the Crimson Tide.

Most importantly to the Vikings, Cine has the potential to evolve into one of the top defensive backs in the entire NFL. He steadily improved throughout his time at Georgia, accumulating 144 total tackles, 14 pass deflections and two interceptions for a loaded Bulldogs squad over three seasons.

A former four-star recruit in the class of 2019, Cine was the No. 2 safety in the nation per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. Cine played his high school football at the Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas. Continuing, Cine joined the Bulldogs as one of the top recruits in the entire nation, ranking No. 42 overall in On3’s 2019 Consensus Top Football Recruits rankings. Continually, Cine terrorized the talented opposing SEC quarterbacks for the Bulldogs defense.