Jaguars open 2nd round by drafting SS Cyprien

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have selected strong safety Johnathan Cyprien with the first pick in the second round of the NFL draft.

The Jaguars considered trading down from the 33rd overall selection — general manager Dave Caldwell says three teams inquired about moving up — but stayed put and chose a player expected to start right away.

The 6-foot, 217-pound Cyprien will start opposite Dwight Lowery, replacing last year’s starter, Dawan Landry.

After releasing Landry, the Jaguars made it clear earlier in the week that they had no strong safety on the roster.

Cyprien started 45 games in four years at FIU, finishing his college career with 365 tackles, six forced fumbles and seven interceptions.

Caldwell says Cyprien will “bring a different element to our defense in terms of his toughness.”