Ourlads' Profile:
2023 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about RONNIE HICKMAN JR.:
Ohio State | H: 6010 W: 207 40: 4.51 A: 3300 H: 0938 W: 7800
Junior entry, South Orange, NJ. Has primarily been used as an overhang player or nickel. He also has significant reps as a two high or split zone quarters safety. Energetic and aggressive he tracks and adjusts quickly moving downhill versus the run. Has remarkable agility in traffic locating and getting to the football. Plays from alley to alley and explodes into tackles with a burst on the hit. Makes a lot of plays close to the line. Normally wraps and drives, limiting or eliminating any yards after contact. Flashes strong hands to shed blocks on the move and has an uncanny ability to avoid a block while not losing his angle to the ball. Has been used primarily as a flat defender in zone concepts and is solid processing route combinations. Quick in his pedal and drop he finds the throwing lane on high/low routes and is quick breaking on the throw. He can match vertical releases by inside receivers and carry the route up the field. In man coverage shows solid mirror skill and has a recovery burst if separated. As a one high safety he is a projection as he has not been tasked with that role. His athleticism and processing ability should be a fit. Will miss a tackle on occasion by lunging and not wrapping. Has not had a lot of ball production and he makes more tackles than plays on the ball. This is partly due to the position he plays. At times in coverage he gives a little too much room and is a little late getting to the ball. Projects as a solid sub package safety with developmental skills for more. Should be an outstanding core special team player.
2022 Stats: 53 T, 1.5 TFL, 7 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF, 1 INT. 3rd/4th round.