Jaden Hicks, the best safety available overall for some analysts, was just taken by the Chiefs in the fourth round at No. 133 overall.
21-year-old Washington State safety Jaden Hicks was selected with the 133rd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon by the Kansas City Chiefs.
To some, Hicks was a surprising selection given big names like Brendan Rice (USC WR and Jerry Rice's son), Mekhi Wingo (LSU DT), and Jamari Thrash (Louisville WR) were still on the board, however, to sports analysts around the league, it was surprising for a different reason: How was Jaden Hicks still available? Mel Keiper specifically, had Hicks as the 3rd best player available on his Day 3 big board.
Jaden Hicks was the No. 1 safety on the @dpbrugler board, and Dane knows his stuff. Never imagined Hicks would be available in the fourth round. Incredible value there.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) April 27, 2024
Hicks has incredible agility for the position, having recorded a 6.88-second 3-cone drill, putting him in the top 83% of every safety ever drafted. Hicks also has great size for the position, measuring in at 6'2" tall and 211 lbs. His agility, combined with his large frame, means he is a FORCE against the run game. Think of Hicks as a Mack truck hauling concrete with the acceleration of a Tesla.
Jaden Hicks was drafted in round 4 pick 133 in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 8.97 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 114 out of 1093 FS from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/W16kljd6gm pic.twitter.com/yJuTeUEAJe
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2024
Hicks' size and agility aren't the only assets this former Cougar has going for him. His ability to cover in the hook-to-curl zone (area just outside of the outside linebackers) of the defense is second to none in this draft class, making him perfect for the sub-linebacker role.
The Chiefs' defense has been in dire need of an athletic, big-bodied safety that can come in and be great against the run, while also having the ability to cover tight ends deep downfield. Jaden Hicks fits that role perfectly.
The value compared to other players on the board, combined with his perfect fit in the defense, means the Jaden Hicks selection a textbook A grade. The value of the position and other needs (WR/RB/OL depth) are the only critiques that can be made on this pick.
Jaden Hicks is the classic General Manager Brett Veach selection. He's tall, athletic, and a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defensive scheme. With a little bit of luck, and a lot of hard work, Hicks will be the next defensive steal of the draft.