R.J. Mickens, SAF, Clemson
Size:
Height: 6000
Weight: 199
Arm: 32 ¼”
Hand: 8 ⅞”
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“R.J. Mickens is an intelligent and versatile defensive back who is a valuable chess piece and can play in any scheme.”
Strengths:
Versatility
Football IQ
Willingness against the run
Man coverage against TEs
Concerns:
Range
Grabby at the top of routes
Tackles around the ankles
Film Analysis:
R.J. Mickens plays all over for Clemson’s defense and will do whatever is asked of him. A matchup-finding defensive piece and son of former Texas A&M All-American defensive back Ray Mickens Sr., R.J. has carved out a fantastic role in Dabo Swinney’s defense, coordinated by Wes Goodwin, finishing third on the team in tackles last season.
Mickens aligns mainly from the safety position, with a large portion at free safety, and uses play recognition and change of direction to get involved. He finds the football quickly when triggering against the run and shows off an easy click-and-close ability; he squares well downhill and makes tackles with proper technique. He’s willing to throw his body around in the run game, even against offensive linemen. He covers well in zone and man with quick feet, sound depth, and quick hips to change direction. These traits allow him to survive in the slot against quicker receivers, but he is best at playing man coverage against tight ends where he can be physical.
He’s not at his best as a free safety. While he has the change of direction and hip-flip ability to turn and run, he lacks the deep speed and range to cover the ground necessary. When tasked with man coverage, he tends to be grabby at the top of routes, especially with tight ends when he wants to be more physical. He should trust his hips and quickness more, along with his eyes. While he has good tackling technique and squares up when triggering downhill, his pursuit angles in chasing down ball carriers are suspect and he attacks ankles too often to tackle.
Overall, Mickens is up to covering tight ends and running backs, while his best role at the next level will be as a two-high safety with slot versatility. His football IQ and experience moving around at Clemson will give him a leg up on adjusting to the NFL game.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written By: Daniel Harms
Exposures: Syracuse (2023), Duke (2023), UNC (2023), Miami (2023)
