Jaguars get rookies Cyprien, Gratz under contract

Jun 18, 2013 - 9:05 PM Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - The Jacksonville Jaguars reached contract agreements on Tuesday with safety Jonathan Cyprien and cornerback Dwayne Gratz, two of the team's top three selections in April's NFL Draft.

The Jaguars took Cyprien, a four-year starter and three-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection at Florida International, with the first pick of the second round (No. 33 overall). The 22-year-old led the Golden Knights with 93 tackles and four interceptions during his senior season and finished his college career with a school-record six forced fumbles along with seven picks.

Gratz, the second overall choice of the third round (No. 64 overall), earned first team All-Big East honors as a senior for the University of Connecticut and recorded 30 passes defensed and eight interceptions over 50 games (39 starts) with the Huskies.

Both rookies are expected to compete for starting roles immediately on a revamped Jacksonville defense under new head coach Gus Bradley.

The Jaguars have now signed four of their eight 2013 draft picks. The team has yet to strike a deal with Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, the No. 2 overall selection.