Ourlads' Profile:
2024 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about JADEN HICKS:
Washington State | HT: 6017 | WT: 211 | 40 time: 4.55 | Arm: 3112 | Hand: 0938 | Wing: 7614
Redshirt sophomore entry, two-year starter. Honorable mention All-Pac 12 in 2023. Has an excellent frame with the size that is ideal for an NFL safety. Versatile player who has experience playing one and two high, overhang and in the box at linebacker depth as a cover six style weak safety. He shows easy fluid movements and transitions well in all directions. Shows a smooth backpedal in the deep zones and can quickly flip his hips to gain ground over the top. Strong in run support he can quickly track a ball carrier coming from depth and flashes ability to gather and drive through a tackle. Quick getting to the alley to make a play in space. In the box he shows linebacker-like instincts scraping to outside runs and is quick getting downhill to make a play in the backfield. Has range in pursuit and can chase to the perimeter from the box. Has been used effectively to blitz off the edge and shows a burst closing in the backfield. As a zone defender, he’s normally solid to read the quarterback delivery key while balancing receivers in intermediate and deep zones. Gets a sudden break with the ball in the air and can make a big hit to separate a receiver from the ball. Has some experience in man coverage versus inside receivers and can match and mirror all but the true burners. As a young player he is still a work in progress as a shifty receiver can bait him out of position. Will miss tackles going low and ducking his head at times. Some wasted movement causes an occasional bad angle in pursuit and deep coverage. Can be over aggressive and overrun tackles by not gathering. Upside is there for a versatile NFL safety.
2023 Stats: 79 T, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 4 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF, 1 BK, 2 INT (1 TD). Draft projection: 2nd/3rd round