Chiefs Rookie Demanding Major Snaps With Excellent Summer Performance

Fourth-round Chiefs rookie Jaden Hicks is making a name for himself at training camp, already establishing himself as a theoretical foundational player despite having not even gone through a preseason game yet.

Hicks' tremendous versatility seemed like a natural fit for Steve Spagnuolo's defense even before the draft and special teams coordinator Dave Toub let the media know that Hicks is every bit as good as advertised.

Sometimes the perfect player falls right into your lap. It seems that's exactly what's happened for Kansas City in this scenario.

Dave Toub Calls Rookie Jaden Hicks a 'No-Brainer Four-Phase Starter'

In coaching terms, the four phases of football essentially refer to various scenarios a defense or offense could find itself. Plays in the red zone are different than plays at the 50-yard line, for example, and teams adjust play calls accordingly.

That a fourth-round rookie already finds himself comfortable enough to make an impact in every scenario speaks to Hicks' ability and mindset, and it sounds like he'll soon become a favorite among Chiefs Kingdom as a result.

Toub, and by extension Spagnuolo, have enough faith in Hicks to heap high expectations on him. During his final year at Washington State, Hicks compiled 79 tackles, four deflected passes, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble, illustrating his comfort playing different roles.

It's easy to picture Spagnuolo dropping Hicks back in coverage or sending him on a blitz, and Justin Reid's uncertain injury status not only gives Hicks a greater responsibility but allows him space to flourish and grow as well.

Before the draft, after the draft, and throughout the summer, Hicks looked like someone who could contribute right away for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. He could be a special player and at the very least, he'll be someone the Chiefs trust immediately.

Brett Veach is a master at finding mid-round defensive talent and letting Spagnuolo and Andy Reid handle the rest. Based on the hype surrounding him, Hicks could just be Kansas City's next diamond in the rough.

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