Scouting The 2013 NFL Draft: Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International

Introduction

I'm going to start this off by saying that Cyprien may be my favorite safety prospect in this draft. His game is based on everything that I want in a strong safety. He's recently trained at the senior bowl and reports suggest that he looked excellent and grabbed a lot of peoples attention. It's not surprising. The Sun Belt is never going to be full of elite talent, but every now and again you can find a gem and I honestly think that whoever decides to draft Cyprien - probably in the 3rd round, well they will be getting a gem. This week in Mobile, Alabama he put the biggest hit of the week on Jonathan Franklin, and then stood up and let him know about it - i love that. He went to the same high school as Lions safety Louis Delmas and Louis still mentors him. I'll share a quote from him this past week:

"I'll tell you that I'm enthusiastic," he said. "The one thing about me, I come to practice with a great attitude no matter what's happening on or off the field. I get onto the field, and my play will try to motivate other players to be as best as they can and then everyone on defense can compete to be the best."

Measurables

Height: 6'0

Weight: 210 lb's

Projected 40: 4.6

Class: Senior

Statistics

Positives

Physically imposing, carries the 210 lb's well on a muscular frame. A big hitter, someone who will meet either the receiver at the point of the catch to deliver the hit, or will come up and put a lick on the running back. Has good speed and good lateral ability. Shows excellent fluidity in the hips and has a good backpedal. Has the physicality to run with bigger receivers or tight ends, but the short area quickness to cover the slot. Always talking, always communicating at the back - shows a high IQ level for football and takes good angles to the ball carrier. Can either play in center field or come up and make plays in the backfield. Has excellent durability for a player who enjoys the physical side of the game, started 45 games for Florida International and every single game the last three years. Great work ethic and although he talks trash he admits that he can get better.

Negatives

Playing in the Sun Belt, there are always going to be concerns about the level of talent he played week in and week out, although standing out at the senior bowl did him the world of good. Can work on wrapping up in tackles a little more and not over-pursuing. Can sometimes be a little late to turn his head when in coverage and that could cause a few flags to come flying in the NFL.

Conclusion

Cyprien's stock has continued to rise throughout the 2012 season and after an impressive senior bowl week he is now considered an early 3rd round selection - although some team could jump and take him late 2nd. He has the foundation to be a good safety straight away, he has the intangibles and the work ethic to be a great safety in 2 years time. He plays with a swagger and confidence that you love and his physicality will make fans fall in love with his game. He's worth every bit of the 3rd round grade he currently holds.

Would i draft him for the Jets?

Right now we have Antonio Allen, Eric Smith and Josh Bush as our safeties. Jaiquawn Jarrett and Bret Lockett are also listed on the roster right now. That is a group devoid of real talent, I think Allen could develop into a good player, same with Bush but we now what we get from Smith and it's not good. We'll likely add a veteran but we need an imposing safety. I know we have to address the offensive side of the ball, but if Cyprien is there when we come to select in round 3, I wouldn't be able to resist. He plays with aggression without losing control, intelligence and what I love about him is his ability to play either at the line or in center field. I love this player, and I would love to see him be a Jets in 2013.