Jacksonville Jaguars

Jags' Cyprien knows he needs to raise his game

Published Jun. 15, 2015 12:45 a.m. ET

foxsports

As he enters his third season in the NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars safety Johnathan Cyprien knows he hasn't lived up to expectations thus far in his career. Cyprien, who was taken with the first pick in the second round of the 2013 draft, acknowledged a lack of impact plays through his first two seasons in Jacksonville.

“There’s a lot of room for improvement,’’ Cyrpien told Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.

But if he's feeling any pressure from those unmet expectations, Cyprien isn't letting on.

“Some people call it pressure, but I shy away from that,’’ Cyrprien said. "I don’t think of it (pressure) so much,’’ he said. “I just go out and there and try to do what I do.’’

So far, it hasn't been enough. The Jaguars drafted Cyprien with the idea he would be a building block for their defense. While he did record 114 tackles last season, he's managed just one interception and two forced-fumbles over the course of his first two seasons in the league, and those came early in his rookie year.

While Cyprien hasn't yet made the impact he or the team envisioned, Jaguars defensive backs coach DeWayne Walker said the safety is showing improvement in the team's offseason program, which concludes with a mandatory minicamp beginning Tuesday.

“He’s getting a better grasp of the defense and taking more of a leadership role, so I think he’s getting more comfortable with the things we are asking of him and the defense,’’ Walker said.

Pressure or not, Cyprien said he remains sure of the talent that got him selected No. 33 overall in 2013.

"I want to continue in a positive light and earn the respect of players and coaches and the players I play against,’’ Cyrpien said. “I’m confident in my abilities. I know what I am able to do. I’m really not worried about it.’’

(h/t Florida Times-Union)

Photo credit: Phil Sears/USA TODAY Sports