Cyprien and Gratz Sign

May 13, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) during organized team activities at The Florida Blue Health & Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit : Phil Sears – USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars are a team who are trying make a fresh start with a new look, new Head Coach, and new GM, and the new start getting closer now with signings of two more rookies.  Safety Johnathan Cyprien the second round pick to the Jags in this years draft has officially signed his rookie contract on the same day as teammate and fellow rookie Dwayne Gratz a cornerback selected in the third round has signed his rookie deal.

Even with first round pick Luke Joeckel still unsigned the Jags have taken a major step today in the re-building process.  Coach Gus Bradley is a guy who likes to build his defense with a very strong secondary and that is why both players were drafted.  By signing both Cyprien and Gratz it is assumed by many that the Jags now have two more starters in place both of whom will be playing in the defensive backfield.

So far in OTAs and rookie workouts Gratz has been showing that he belongs and also that he deserves to be a favorite for one of the Cornerback spots on the opening day roster.  Gratz so far has impressed with his speed and his ability to cover NFL receivers so far in practices.

Cyprien too has impressed.  Like Gratz he is expected to start week 1 at safety.  Cyprien is an exciting player who some believed to be a first round talent.  The Jags coaches so far have seen why with Cyprien’s strength and ability to make plays in the practices thus far.

Like I said before Bradley likes his secondary to be strong and with these two players signing it appears that Bradley has a core in his secondary now.  With training camp quickly approaching it will be fun to see how Cyprien and Gratz fare against the veteran players once the pads come on for an idea at the new Jaguars defense.

-Mike Milder