On the final day of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, the Kansas city Chiefs focused on the future by using their 2d fourth-round prefer to choose Washington State safety Jaden Hicks with the 133rd standard alternative.
Come spring, the Chiefs' veteran safety Justin Reid — who will then be 28 — will be a free agent. So Hicks can be in place to become the starter alongside Bryan Cook — and in the coming season, he'll be capable of capturing playing time of veteran security Mike Edwards, who spent the 2023 season with the group's reserve/third protection before signing with the Buffalo bills in free agency.
And the Chiefs feel they had been fortunate to get Hicks. When the fourth round all started on Saturday morning, he turned into one among just three ultimate second-round avid gamers on Arrowhead pride's properly a hundred draft prospect ranking. When Kansas metropolis went on the clock, Hicks turned into the final one left.
"It wasn't a superb feeling," Hicks admitted to Kansas metropolis newshounds in a convention name after his choice. "but i would say, God works in his wonder. I'm blessed to be right here. I'm blessed with this possibility. You recognize, He's at all times appropriate; His plan is always the best plan. I'm so grateful to even be picked up by way of the Chiefs; they're the super Bowl champs. So I couldn't have asked for a stronger result."
The Chiefs' western enviornment scout Greg Castillo believes defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and safeties train Donald D'Alesio will even be very chuffed that Hicks is headed to Kansas city.
"They're going to make the most of his ability set very neatly," Castillo advised journalists on Saturday. "He's very versatile. He can play on the linebacker depth. He can play the deep core free defense. He can play the half, and he can play quarters. He did that at Washington State, too. So he may do a lot — and he can do plenty easily. And that's what we're hunting for."
When Hicks arrives in Kansas city, he'll be reunited with cornerback Jaylen Watson, with whom he shared the protecting backfield at Washington State in 2021.
"I just bought off the phone with him," said Hicks. "Man, it's superb. It's fantastic to see him and what he's doing. I'm excited to be reunited with him."
Hicks says he'll be focused on controlling the tempo within the secondary.
"I are looking to set the tone," he talked about. "I need to be certain people comprehend that after I'm coming round, you'd more advantageous go full pace."
He comes with the aid of this strategy truthfully. recently, the 21-12 months-old Las Vegas native has been working with hall of reputation safety Rod Woodson, who has lived in Hicks' homeland considering that 2019.
"I at all times watch the older safeties back in the day," he mentioned. "I in fact like their playing style — and [how] they go around soccer. So I really watch them."
And when he walks into Kansas metropolis's practicing facility, Hick is aware of exactly what may be anticipated of him.
"that you can line me up anyplace on the container," he declared. "I believe I'm very versatile. There's now not a place where i can't be — or that i can't do; i will be able to line up anyplace on the box. I really believe that.
"And yeah... I'm ready to get to it."
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