Surprised that Johnathan Cyprien was still on the board, Jacksonville Jaguars general manager David Caldwell reportedly turned down three trade offers and opted to select the Florida International safety with the first pick of the 2013 NFL Draft's second round.
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If the start of the Jaguars' rookie minicamp is any indication, Caldwell made a wise choice. Cyprien wasn't just a standout Friday. He was a "man among boys," noted Mark Long of The Associated Press.
Cyprien's speed, athleticism, ball skills, range and instincts were on full display.
"That was one guy who really showed up in my eyes," Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said. "Not only is he playing, but we're watching if they can handle the tempo of practice and the style we're asking. He did a good job leading, too. I was very pleased with his start."
NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell told the "Rich Eisen Podcast" in March that Cyprien had a strong case to be the first safety drafted this year.
"This kid is really athletic," Cosell explained. "When I watched him, I couldn't believe that he was 220 pounds and the way he moved. He had an interception against Louisville that was just unbelievable. He came from the middle of the field all the way to the sideline. For a second, it looked like Ed Reed."
Caldwell drafted Cyprien to be a plug-and-play starter as a rookie. That might be setting the bar too low. Don't be surprised if Cyprien is the Jaguars' premier defensive player in 2013.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
