Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: S Jaden Hicks, WSU

The Las Vegas Raiders could take a hard look at Washington State tackling machine Jaden Hicks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders are turning their attention to the 2024 NFL Draft as they look to the future.

The Raiders were just on the outside of the playoff race and feel that if they add only a few more pieces, they could be in the postseason next year.

Those pieces could come on defense, despite steady improvement on that side of the ball. While they are starting to build a defensive core, there is no limit on how much talent they can add to their defense.

One player they could consider is Washington State safety Jaden Hicks. Hicks could end up being a steal on the third day of the draft.

Hicks recently declared for the draft, finishing his Cougars career with 155 total tackles, eight tackles for losses, three and a half sacks, 10 passes defended and three interceptions.

The 6-foot-3, 212-pound defensive back has some versatility to his game. The Cougars used him all over the field, including in the box and also as a deep safety. The Raiders could be intrigued by his versatility as a later-round draft pick with his ability to play multiple positions at the next level.

Hicks had two interceptions in 2023. One came in the Cougars’ first game of the season against Colorado State when he jumped a pass into the flat and returned it untouched to the end zone for a touchdown.

Washington State safety Jaden Hicks could be an underrated player in the later rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

His second pick came against Washington, when he was covering Huskies wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk downfield. Hicks was playing the deep slot and never gave up ground against Polk, who also will be selected in the draft. Hicks timed his jump against Polk perfectly, high-pointed the ball, and brought it down.

Hicks is a large, well-built defensive back who looks like an NFL safety on film. He has solid athleticism and ball-hawking skills, as well as elite tackling ability. He is one of the most underrated tackling defensive backs in the draft class.

While Hicks is a good athlete, he does not move as well as scouts might like. He has stiff hips and does not have desirable speed. If he wants to survive at the NFL level, he will need to get more flexible to play defensive back.

The Raiders are looking for talent at all positions, and if they are looking to add depth to their defensive back room, the Silver and Black might consider Hicks in the later rounds. 

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