With the 214th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Clemson safety R.J. Mickens. Mickens’ father, Ray, played 11 seasons in the NFL for the Jets, Browns, and Patriots.
The Chargers do not need depth at safety, but they do need capable coverage players on special teams to cover kicks so that’s exactly what the team was thinking with this pick. I would have taken a cornerback if it were for a player they hoped would compete for playing time but Mickens figures to be buried behind Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, and Tony Jefferson.
Mickens has decent size at 6’0 and 199 pounds. He ran a 4.49 in the 40 at this year’s NFL Combine but his most impressive measurement was the 41 1/2” he posted in the vertical.
In all five seasons with the Tigers, Mickens was on their punt coverage teams which is a huge deal for special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken. On defense, Mickens is a physical run supporter who will come downhill fast and stick his pads into ball carriers. He’s best suited for zone coverage teams where he can read quarterbacks and use his springiness to jump routes.
Watch RJ Mickens (S, Clemson, #9, bottom right of the frame) recognize this pick play and immediately know where he’s got to be to make a play if it’s thrown to his side of the field. Good eyes/play recognition will make a player look faster than his timed speed. pic.twitter.com/fj2gP5gkgx
— EJ Snyder (@FootballEJ) April 15, 2025