JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Andre Cisco only played just two games during his final season at Syracuse because of an injury. If it wasn’t for that injury, the Jaguars likely wouldn’t have been able to select Cisco in the third round of last week’s draft.
Background
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Cisco played with Jaguars undrafted free agent signee Dylan Moses at IMG Academy. Cisco got off to a goof start to his career with the Orange as a freshman he was a third-team Associated Press All-American, tying for the FBS lead with seven interceptions. That performance led him to be named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 2019, Cisco kept up the stellar play, tying for seventh in the nation with five interceptions, despite missing three games due to injury. Cisco’s junior season was cut short when he tore his ACL prior to the third game of the season.
Quotable
“I mean, it’s definitely going to be some cool interactions between us. I understand that we’ve played against each other several times and I had to study them and now we’re on the same team attacking other guys. So, it’s a blessing. Obviously, they have very bright futures, both are extremely talented players two of the best players I played in college. So, I’m glad I have them on my side.” — Cisco on being teammates with QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne
“Well, I’ll say it starts with understanding who you’re playing. So, I’ll say I’ll understand that, and then as the game goes along, I get a better feel and I try to — all you’ve got to do is catch the quarterback slipping on one play to make that big play. So, that’s usually how I try to calculate it.” — Cisco on being a ballhawk.
Highlights
What the analysts are saying:
CBS Sports: A+
Elite-level range and instincts from the deep middle. Insane ball skills and has an NFL safety body. Good run defender too in the box. Had he not tore his ACL, he would’ve gone much earlier. Big need filled.
ESPN’s Michael DiRocco:
The Jaguars need playmakers in the secondary and Cisco was one of the best in the country in 2018-19 when he had 12 interceptions (most in FBS). All of the Jaguars’ safeties from 2018-20 combined for 10 interceptions. Cisco finished his career with 13 interceptions in 24 games. The Jaguars signed strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins in free agency and Cisco will compete with Jarrod Wilson to be the starter at free safety. Cisco did, however, miss 11 games last season after suffering a torn ACL when he collided with a teammate during pre-game warmups, so it’s unclear at this point when he’ll be completely cleared.
Bleacher Report: C-
Interestingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars passed on Trevon Moehrig at the top of the second round to select cornerback Tyson Campbell. They then chose Cisco with the first pick in the third round. The value of those decisions is somewhat askew. Moehrig is the class’ best pure safety prospect. Cisco is a quality ballhawk, but he’s coming off a major injury. Safety was one of the primary positions of need for Jacksonville.