Jaden Hicks 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Height: Six-foot-two
Weight: 211 pounds
Position: Safety
School: Washington State
2024 NFL Draft: Jaden Hicks Scouting Report
As a three-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting cycle, Jaden Hicks came to Washington State by way of elite high school program, Bishop Gorman. After redshirting in his freshman season, Hicks earned regular snaps in the Cougars’ defense in 2022.
Hicks was able to appear in all 13 games of the year and started each of the final 11. In his first season as a starter, Hicks accounted for 76 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, six pass breakups, and added a scoop and score in the win over Stanford. He earned Third-Team Freshman All-American by College Football News for his efforts.
He returned as the starting safety in 2023 for the Cougars and played well enough to warrant jumping into the NFL Draft. In total, he recorded 79 tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown in the season-opening win over Colorado State. He earned an Honorable Mention in the PAC-12 in 2023.
Strengths
- Good deep ball tracking
- Is adept at keeping contain
- Has the ability to take good angles to make the play
- Great NFL size and length
- Primarily played as a box safety like an extra linebacker
- Great anticipation and instincts
- Very fluid
- 8.97 RAS
Weaknesses
- Open-field tackling needs work
- Can get his eyes caught in the backfield on play-action
- Had a tendency to drop his head when making the tackle
- Struggled in man coverage
- Doesn’t quite have the speed to keep up with the fastest receivers
NFL Player Comparison: Ryan Clark
Projection: Third Round
Best Fits: New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins
Bottom Line on Jaden Hicks
Hicks was a solid contributor with the Cougars over the last two years and has built up a solid resume to hear his name called on day two of the NFL Draft. In his time, Hicks was primarily utilized as a box safety and, when he was able to make the tackle, was a solid run-stopper. The issue was while he has solid instincts and can key in on the ball carrier, he was prone to overrunning and missing the plays he needed to make.
Hicks has good vision to make out the route concept and can take great angles to make the play on the ball. While he may not have the top-end speed other safeties may have in this class, he positions himself well enough. All in all, Hicks will be a worthy candidate to work himself into a rotational role in a safety room. He is still a bit raw but after some development, Hicks can become a team’s starting safety.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
