In the right role, Washington State standout safety Jaden Hicks could be a game-changer for an NFL defense. While he had a fairly short college career, for teams needing a strong safety with coverage and support versatility, Hicks is a good pickup.
Here’s everything to know about the Cougars’ safety ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
How Tall Is Jaden Hicks?
Hicks stands at 6’1 7/8″, putting him in the 79th percentile in direct comparison to his positional counterparts. His height is on par for his position, and his arm length of 31.5″ puts him in the 46th percentile.
At the NFL Combine, he impressed with his athletic testing, logging a 37.5″ vertical. At his pro day, Hicks ran a strong 4.49-second 40-yard dash. He’s a well-sized safety prospect with great length, mass, play strength, and physicality.
How Much Does Hicks Weigh?
Hicks weighs in at 211 pounds, which falls into the 69th percentile at his position.
He’s a well-built strong safety who can play at all three levels of the field. He has an intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and versatility. Hicks’ size allows him to play close to the line of scrimmage as a strong safety or pseudo-linebacker. His speed and quick feet allow him to play in deeper coverage shells as well.
How Old Is Hicks?
Hicks was born on Aug. 16, 2002, and is 21 years old.
What School Did Hicks Go To?
Hicks attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As a junior, he had seven interceptions and returned three for a touchdown. He was named to the first-team All-State by MaxPreps and to the first-team All-Southern Nevada by the Las Vegas Review-Journal after making 27 tackles, 1.5 for loss, one forced fumble, 10 pass breakups, and seven interceptions.
Hicks’ senior season was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a shortened high school campaign, Hicks was a three-star prospect and rated the No. 69 safety in the country and fifth-best prospect in the state by ESPN. He committed to Washington State University, where he would spend his entire college career.
Revisiting Hicks’ College Career
Hicks redshirted his freshman season after appearing in one game. In 2022, he started 11 of 13 games and had 76 tackles, one interception, and one sack.
He was named to the third-team Freshman All-America by College Football News and to the Midseason Freshman All-America Team by College Football Team as a result.
Hicks’ 76 tackles were the most among Pac-12 conference freshmen defenders. He made two tackles for loss, including one sack, one interception, six pass breakups, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Hicks returned to the team in 2023 and put up 79 tackles and two interceptions. He declared for the NFL Draft following the season.
Hicks’ Potential in the NFL
Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings said Hicks has checked all the boxes from the start and has skills that will translate well to the NFL level.
“On his film at Washington State, the 21-year-old Hicks stands out as an active communicator and defensive leader on the back end who can wear a host of different hats,” Cummings wrote in his scouting report.
“Hicks flourishes in two-high and as a box safety who can crash gaps and set the edge, but he’s also shown he can rotate back to single-high, play overhang slot as a big nickel DB, or even file in as a weak-side LB and hover over RBs sneaking into the flats.”
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Jaden Hicks
Some of Hicks’ strengths, according to Cummings, include being able to flip his hips, then turn and run vertically with WRs out of the slot, and being able to quickly process misdirection plays and recover positioning on the chase.
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