Kansas City Chiefs rookie safety Jaden Hicks is set to make an impact on the team’s secondary in 2024.
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While the focus surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs offseason workouts has been on the return of the deep game into their offense, the defending Super Bowl champions have also made some notable upgrades to their defense.
Perhaps the Chiefs’ most valuable addition to their secondary came with the selection of Washington State safety Jaden Hicks with the No. 133 overall pick in the fourth round of last month’s NFL Draft.
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Hicks was a strong presence in the Cougars defensive backfield throughout his college career. Last season, he compiled 76 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and four passes defended. Though some have wondered whether his size (6-2, 211 pounds) would make him a sold fit at staring safety, the 21-year-old will likely align as the team’s free safety in coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz-heavy defense. It should be noted that he also possesses the skill set to see time as Kansas City’s third safety in select nickel and dime packages.
Following the departures of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and safety Mike Edwards in the offseason, the Chiefs will benefit from Hicks’ abilities in the defensive backfield. While the Chiefs are expected to start Justin Reid and Bryan Cook this season, Hicks will have a chance to learn from both players while attempting to earn a significant role on the team for many years to come.