4 players the Jaguars cannot afford to lose to injury in 2022
No. 3 player the Jaguars can’t afford to lose to injury: Andre Cisco
player. 52. . . . Andre Cisco, safety. 38
Safety Andre Cisco is entering his second season in the NFL. The former Syracuse Orangeman is expected to compete with incumbent Andrew Wingard for the starting job opposite Rayshawn Jenkins.
On paper, Cisco should have the edge despite the fact that Wingard is the more experienced of the two. Keep in mind that the former was a ballhawk in college and would have probably gotten drafted in the first round instead of the third if he hadn’t missed most of the 2020 season with a torn ACL. In fact, his injury history might have been a big reason why he slid and was available at No. 65 last year.
Wingard deserves credit for working his way up towards the starting lineup after going undrafted in 2019. However, he’s probably reached his ceiling. Sure, he’s logged three interceptions over the last two seasons but he isn’t a particularly good tackler nor has the range Cisco possesses.
On 247 defensive snaps (most of them towards the end of the season), Cisco forced two fumbles and nearly came down with an interception. The Jaguars need to generate more takeaways and the sophomore safety can create a few if he has a featured role.
Having said that, the Jaguars’ secondary would suffer a hit if Cisco gets hurt. The front office didn’t make any additions to their safety room this offseason and the coaching staff would probably have to go with Wingard if Cisco has to miss time.