Chiefs draft steal could be poised for an early breakout performance against Ravens

Thursday is almost here and the Chiefss quest for a three-peat begins now.

There's been so much written and said about the Chiefs' historic defense from 2023 but now it's time for the 2024 defense to take the first step. They have a unique challenge ahead of them with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town. Last year, the Ravens were a historically great team according to DVOA. That same offense added future Hall-of-Famer Derrick Henry to a backfield with one of the most prolific running quarterbacks of all time. The Chiefs' defense has their work cut out for them.

Part of what makes the Ravens offense difficult to defend is how insanely well they run the ball. In today's modern defensive landscape, lots of teams invite teams to run the ball to limit explosive plays. Except the Ravens run the ball so well that it's almost as explosive as a passing offense. Since 2018, the Ravens have never finished worse than third in the NFL in rushing yards. While there certainly is lots to talk about with their run game their ability to pass the ball out of run sets is part of what makes them so hard to defend.

Some of the Ravens' best weapons: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Derrick Henry, and Lamar Jackson all factor heavily into the run game. Add in bigger-bodied receivers like Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor and auxiliary pieces like Patrick Richard the Ravens can block like crazy in the running game or send out heavy personnel and catch passes as well. Lamar Jackson has grown as a passer over the years and while it's not his strongest feature he can still hurt you with his arm.

What this means for Jaden Hicks

It seems crazy to call for a breakout for a fourth-round rookie in their very first NFL game, in primetime nonetheless. However, Jaden Hicks could be uniquely positioned to make a big impact on Thursday night against Baltimore. We've seen him flash all pre-season (albeit against backups), especially in some areas that can help the defense.

One of the biggest factors for the defensive unit is that they're returning three of the most important players to the defense: Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, and Justin Reid. All of which secure the spine of the defense and help shore up the coverage and scheme of the defense on the field. This frees up a player like Hicks to read and react and play more downhill rather than being asked to make adjustments.

Hicks has flashed speed and power when coming downhill whether it be in coverage downfield, filling up a run lane, or covering running backs in the flat. At 6-1, 211 lbs., Hicks in uniquely equipped to help stop the run game of the Ravens or even cover Mark Andrews or Isaiah Likely.

One of the few losses the Chiefs defense suffered over the off-season was linebacker Willie Gay. Gay had a solid 30 lbs. on Hicks but he does offer some of the same traits that made him a useful player in the defense. Willie was never regularly relied on to read and command the field but he was excellent at using his athleticism to apply pressure in the run game, as a pass rusher or coverage in the flats.

Hicks might be the hybrid defender the Chiefs need on defense this year. With Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, and Chamarri Conner all having very set roles on the defense Hicks feels like a wild card defender that can line up anywhere and make an impact. This might be especially important this year with some questions about the Chiefs' depth at corner.

Hicks can function like another linebacker in the box, mix in the slot or cover deep too. This is a staple of the Chiefs' defense under Steve Spagnuolo—as Nate Tice covers so well in this piece. The Chiefs' defense plays positionless football where any player can do anything on any given snap. The Chiefs aren't afraid to break the conventional rules of defenses. Hicks can help keep that element alive.

Don't be surprised if Jaden Hicks makes a meaningful splash in Thursday night's game. Mostly, cause there are so many avenues for him to do so. He could be a great extra rusher in a blitz package, make tackles in the run game, impact plays in coverage or even flash in special teams. Hicks is uniquely positioned to make an impact on this game and this season because of his role and veteran leadership of players like Justin Reid and Bryan Cook. The scene is set for him to break out now it's time to see if he takes hold of the opportunity ahead of him.