The Los Angeles Chargers added some secondary depth on Saturday, spending a sixth round pick on Clemson safety R.J. Mickens. This marks the second time on Saturday the Chargers have drafted the son of a former NFL player. Mickens’ dad Ray entered the NFL in 1996 and spent the bulk of an 11-year career playing cornerback for the New York Jets.
The younger Mickens brings some depth to the Chargers’ secondary, but will likely get his most significant rookie opportunity on the special teams coverage units. The grades coming in thus far view him as a solid value with that special teams upside.
Los Angeles could use some depth in the secondary and Mickens fits that bill. He played multiple roles for the Clemson defense, including free safety, nickel and box safety. He’s got good size at 6-foot and 199 pounds and tested well. He’s a versatile backup with good special teams upside.
His father, Ray, had a long, productive career in the NFL. He is sound in mind and body. Conversations with Jim Harbaugh are probably easy, because they both live for football.
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Poll
How would you grade the Chargers pick of R.J. Mickens?