JACKSONVILLE – Four down, four to go.
Johnathan Cyprien and Dwayne Gratz, the Jaguars' second- and third-round selections in the 2013 NFL Draft, respectively, each signed their rookie contracts Tuesday, bringing the total of signed players from the team's draft class to four.
The Jaguars previously signed their two seventh-round selections, cornerback Jeremy Harris of New Mexico State and Demetrius McCray of Appalachian State.
Cyprien (6-feet-0, 217 pounds), a safety from Florida International University, was selected No. 33 overall with the first selection of the second round. He impressed in the offseason, and is projected to start as a rookie this season. His presence is also critical in Head Coach Gus Bradley's defense, which features schemes with single-high safeties.
Cyprien, a four-year letterman, started the final 45 games of his college career, finishing with a school-record 365 tackles. He also defensed 22 passes, added 13.5 tackles for loss and seven interceptions.
Gratz (5-11, 201), a cornerback from Connecticut, was selected No. 64 overall with the second selection of the third round. He also impressed throughout the team's offseason work and is projected to start as a rookie this season.
Gratz, like Cyprien a four-year letterman, finished his career with 189 tackles, eight interceptions, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 30 passes defensed.
He started 12 games as a senior with three interceptions and 11 passes defensed.
The signing of Cyprien and Gratz leaves four selections unsigned: first-round offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, fourth-round wide receiver Ace Sanders, fifth-round running back Denard Robinson and sixth-round safety Josh Evans.
Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell said at the close of 2013 minicamp last week the team was close to signing the rest of their unsigned draft selection. He said he expects them to be signed in time for the beginning of 2013 Training Camp July 26.
