Washington State safety Jaden Hicks possesses an excellent opportunity to be the first prospect selected at his position in the 2024 NFL Draft. Hicks is an instinctual defensive back that thrived in the box, as a nickel defender, and in single-high or two-high coverage shells. That versatility will appeal to general managers on draft weekend.
Hicks took a sizable step forward throughout the 2023 campaign. The Las Vegas, Nevada native posted career highs in tackles (79), tackles for loss (6), sacks (2.5), and interceptions (2). The Cougars defender was everywhere.
Hicks continued checking boxes at the NFL Combine. The three-level playmaker ran a 4.5 40 and a 6.88 3-cone. Hicks also had a 37.5-inch vertical.
With his impressive pre-draft process in mind, we’ve identified three potential fits for Hicks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
BUFFALO BILLS
Difficulties against the salary cap forced Bills general manager Brandon Beane to release veteran safety Jordan Poyer. Poyer had been a mainstay on Sean McDermott's defense since 2017 with both arriving in Buffalo in the same offseason. Adding insult to injury, Poyer signed with the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins following his release. Backup safety Siran Neal also joined the Dolphins.
The aging Micah Hyde, who started opposite Poyer last season, remains available in free agency. Taylor Rapp appears scheduled to be elevated into a more starring role. Former Kansas City Chief Mike Edwards was signed to a shrewd one-year deal.
The Bills require more help on the back end if they’re to contend with Patrick Mahomes and other AFC heavyweight quarterbacks. Hicks would quickly compete for a starting gig.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans have had a hole at safety since a midseason 2023 trade that sent Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles. Byard was replaced in-season by K'Von Wallace and Terrell Edmunds. Neither player was re-signed by the Titans this offseason. New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will expect something to be done.
Amani Hooker needs a new running mate. Titans general manager Ran Carthon has expressed interest in some veteran free-agent safeties, but no deal has materialized. Nickel defender Elijah Molden and special teams ace Matthew Jackson are the current safeties on the roster behind Hooker. Neither player is starting-caliber. The Titans should target a safety like Hicks in the middle rounds.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Safety was a sore spot for the Packers last season. That's precisely why general manager Brian Gutekunst has made sweeping changes to the secondary this offseason. Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, and Darnell Savage were the primary starters for the defense throughout 2023. Savage and Owens signed elsewhere, and Ford remains available.
Xavier McKinney was signed to a four-year contract worth $67 million, but more is needed considering the Packers lost three players. The inexperienced Anthony Johnson Jr. is the current starter opposite McKinney. Gutenkunst must exit the 2024 NFL Draft with an instant contributor at safety. Luckily, Gutekunst has four picks between 41 and 91. Hicks would be plug-and-play alongside McKinney in a new-look Packers secondary.
