NFL Draft: Pac-12 Talent Who Has Flown Under The Radar Is One Of Best Safeties

This Washington State safety isn't a flashy name, but has the talent to be perhaps the best safety in the draft.

The New Orleans Saints have an underrated need at safety as they head towards the 2024 NFL Draft. Yes, the Saints still have veteran Tyrann Mathieu, who had a solid year by breaking up nine passes and recording a team-high four interceptions. Joining Mathieu in the starting lineup is Jordan Howden, who had a promising rookie year as a fifth-round draft choice.

After the release of Marcus Maye, a veteran starter, the Saints have no depth at the position. Ugo Amadi and Johnathan Abram were both re-signed, but each have glaring limitations if asked to play heavy snaps. Additionally, Mathieu is entering his 12th season and has lost a step in slot coverage and Howden is still a bit unproven after some erratic rookie moments.

This year's draft class doesn't appear strong at safety. However, there are a few players at the position who could be immediate contributors. Here's a look at one of the highest rated safeties in this year's class.

Jaden Hicks, S - Washington State; 6'2" & 211-Lbs.

Washington State Cougars safety Jaden Hicks (25) celebrates a big play against Oregon State

Credit:© James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Jaden Hicks had committed to Washington State despite his senior year at Bishop Gorman High School being canceled due to the Covid pandemic. He'd redshirt his 2021 campaign, then earned a starting job in 2022 after essentially two years removed from playing in a game.

In 2022, Hicks had an interception and broke up six throws while recording a sack and two tackles for loss among 76 total stops. Even more disruptive in 2023, Hicks led the Cougars with two interceptions and 49 solo stops (79 total tackles) in addition to four passes defensed, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Prototype size for an NFL safety, Hicks also brings versatility and an aggressive nature to an NFL defense. He's a capable in-the-box defender and attacks downhill with a ferocious demeanor. Effective as a blitzer, he's able to disrupt offenses in multiple ways. He has extremely efficient diagnostic skills, serving him well against both the run and pass.

Where Hicks really shines is back in the secondary. A true ballhawk, he baits quarterbacks and has good ball-tracking skills. He has man coverage capabilities in the slot, but is a natural as a deep safety. Showing potentially elite instincts and anticipation, Hicks has outstanding range on the back end and is a threat to offenses in off-ball coverage.

Washington State Cougars safety Jaden Hicks (25) breaks up a pass against the Fresno State Bulldogs

Credit:© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Hicks can struggle against shifty wideouts in the slot. He has questionable change-of-direction fluidity, which can also lead to some reactive issues as a single-high safety.

While his aggression can boost an entire defense, Hicks can also be overly aggressive when coming up to make a play. This leads to some vulnerability because of coverage angles, open field tackling, and leaves him prone to ball fakes by an intelligent quarterback.

Jaden Hicks brings a playmaking versatility not often seen in recent Pac-12 safeties. His versatility and size will likely get him off the board in Day 2. Perhaps even with an early second-round selection.

The New Orleans Saints have had a lot of good fortune at acquiring safeties through the draft. Hicks may not be a splashy name, but has the ability to continue that fortune if selected by New Orleans, while also filling an understated need.