Jaguars training camp: S Andre Cisco setting the tone in practice

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t give safety Andre Cisco much playing time in his rookie season but they expect him to take on a bigger role in 2022. The second-year pro is having a good training camp and is setting the tone in practice.

The Jags held their first practice after the 27-11 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in the Hall-of-Fame game and Cisco’s physicality stood out. Players were allowed to tackle and the sophomore safety laid a big hit on running back Travis Etienne.

Jordan de Lugo of Generation Jaguar also credited Cisco with a fumble and named him “the star of Sunday’s practice”, along with defensive tackle Foyesade Oluokun, tight end Luke Farrell and Etienne, who broke several big plays.

Cisco only logged two tackles against the Raiders but it’s worth noting that he only appeared in 16 snaps. He’s practiced with the first team in training camp and looks like a good bet to start opposite Rayshawn Jenkins in the season opener.

The Jaguars need Andre Cisco to keep the big hits coming

The Jaguars struggled to create turnovers last season and their nine takeaways ranked last in the NFL. Even though Cisco showed upside whenever he was given a chance to play, the coaching staff leaned on Andrew Wingard.

This approach didn’t make sense when you take into account that the Jags were among one of the worst teams in the NFL and it was in their long-term interest to give playing time to their young players. The former Syracuse Orangeman ended up making three stars and posting a respectable Pro Football Focus overall grade of 67.9.

The Jaguars aren’t making the same mistake again and are giving Cisco a chance to put on display his skills. Whenever he’s been on the field, he showcased his athleticism and his ability to force fumbles.

Like Trevor Lawrence and other members of the Jags’ 2021 NFL Draft, Cisco is expected to make a huge leap in Year 2. Based on how he’s fared this summer, he seems to be trending in the right direction.