Posted February 23, 20241 yr One of the seemingly few younger (not senior or 5th year senior) prospects this year. Hicks is a redshirt sophomore. He is 6'2'' 215lbs. Jim Nagy apparently believes he can be the first safety drafted. Interesting because draft media does not talk about him. You hear Kinchens, Nubin, Bullock, Bullard.... never hear about Hicks. From a recent TDN exceprt Quote On a recent media call with Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, Nagy touted Jaden Hicks to potentially be the first safety drafted in April. It would only be a surprise to those who didn't watch enough Washington State football during the season. Hicks is an instinctual three-level defensive back. Hicks totaled 155 tackles, 13 passes defensed and three interceptions over the previous two campaigns. Vertical speed has been questioned by scouts—so Hicks will have to run an acceptable 40 to check that box—but Hicks is a fluid mover that makes smooth transitions. The highlights Impressive versatility shown. He is often lined up as a LB, as well as a safety. But theres also a highlight of him covering Jalyn Polk 1 on 1 down the field and intercepting the deep ball. He can do it all in the back 7 of the defense.
February 24, 20241 yr Jaden Hicks looks like a 2nd rounder to me. He isn't a 1H/drop in slot type of safety, but he gets downhill fast and seems to have pretty good awareness in zone.