The Los Angeles Chargers have added more depth to the safety position, grabbing Clemson safety R.J. Mickens with the No. 214 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He is another player with NFL bloodlines as his father, Ray Mickens, was a 10-year NFL veteran who played mostly with the New York Jets. His son, R.J., comes from one of the top programs in college football and for a sixth-round pick, is a player who will have a tremendous opportunity to make the team as a rookie.
The Chargers have Derwin James and Alohi Gilman at the safety position and Elijah Molden was a tremendous acquisition for the team last season. James was used all over the formation and that is something the team could do again this season, but Mickens should have a chance to be an immediate contributor on special teams while working his way into the defensive rotation.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had this to say about Mickens in his scouting report:
"Mickens has a desirable blend of size and length for his move to the pros. The son of a former NFL cornerback, he plays like a pro with good pre-snap anticipation and post-snap instincts. His field awareness is a plus in zone coverage, but he’s not sudden or fast, so technique and timing will be crucial for man-cover success. His ability to alter pursuit angles and break down in space as a tackler help him stand out against others in this class. He’s technically sound as a wrap-up tackler but his stopping power is fairly average. Mickens answered questions about his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.49-second 40-yard dash), so his consistency in reading and responding to the play should not be diminished."
Behind the three names mentioned above, the Chargers have Tony Jefferson, Emany Johnson and Kendall Williamson at the safety position. Jefferson is a trusted veteran, but he's aging, and that could open the door for Mickens to make an impact as a rookie.
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