8 Chiefs Whose Stock is Rising After OTAs
8. Jaden Hicks, SS/FS
The Chiefs exited the 2024 NFL Draft with seven new rookies in their possession, including Jaden Hicks. The former Washington State defensive back was projected to be a second-round pick by some draft experts, so the fact that he fell to Kansas City in Round 4 was enough to excite the fanbase.
As OTAs reach the final stress, it seems like the Chiefs coaches have loved what they've seen from Hicks so far. Defensive backs coach Dave Merritt has been "thrilled" to have Hicks on the roster and that the latter "got some skills where he can play a lot of different [positions]."
According to Chiefs insider Jesse Newell, Merritt has been using Hicks at both safety positions, as well as a sixth man in dime coverage. The DBs coach added that Hicks — who stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 215 pounds — has the physical and mental qualities "to be a really good football player in this league."
Considering how he's also spent one-on-one time with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs clearly think highly of Hicks.
Let's just hope that he can turn his offseason hype into regular-season results because Kansas City's secondary — which was among the NFL's best last season — will be even more dangerous with Hicks playing to his potential.
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