Vikings are on track to cut a former first round draft pick before he even starts his first game

Sure, first round draft picks have a much better shot of lasting in the NFL. But, just like every other player taken before them or after them - nothing is guaranteed when it comes to winning a starting job or making a team.

In fact, first-rounders have higher expectations placed on them, in the beginning. If they get off to a slow start, that uphill climb to get back to "first round status" becomes more and more daunting. And when you're facing an uphill climb in a game like football, where there are so many factors that can absolutely derail your career that you have zero control over, that uphill climb has the potential to quickly turn into a Mt. Everest ascension.

That's been the case for Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine, who was taken with the 32nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Poor play and injuries have limited the former Georgia Bulldog to just 10 defensive snaps in his first two seasons. He's appeared in only 10 games, with zero starts, and has recorded one defensive tackle, so far. He has been able to find his way onto the field through special teams, but even then, that's not what a team wants -nor expects- from a guy with his pedigree.

And, to compound the issue, the Vikings safety room has become increasingly crowded since Cine was drafted. One could easily make the case he's S6, right now, behind the likes of Harrison Smith, Cameron Bynum, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward. Jackson has had a solid spring, too, as he tries to carry over the momentum from last year.

Jackson is only 25. The Tennessee Titans drafted him in the sixth round, waived him and wanted to keep him, but the Vikings scooped him up. He is clearly the No. 4 safety on the depth chart and might be a future option post-Harrison Smith. - Alec Lewis, The Athletic

Teams typically don't carry six safeties. Therefore, Cine's future is definitely up in the air. Especially if he continues to have performances similar to last Tuesday's. The guy was a healthy scratch for 10 games last season, which says a ton.

Lewis Cine got beaten in coverage a couple times and also dropped an interception off of a deflection. It's very early in this offseason, but the 2022 first-round pick might be at risk of getting cut before his third season. - Will Ragatz, Inside The Vikings

The one glimmer of hope, if things stay on this path, is the fact the Vikings carried six safeties on the initial 53-man roster, last year. They could easily do that again, but the additions of Shaq Griffin and Khyree Jackson could prompt them to carry more corners this time around, which could impact the safety numbers.

As Ragatz notes, it's still very early. But when looking at the direction things are headed, Cine has to find a way to start providing quality reps or else he could easily find himself looking for a new home in 2024.