Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Jaden Hicks drops hint that he'll replace standout defender in Chiefs' secondary

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Charles Goldman | Last updated 5/8/24

Kansas City Chiefs fourth-round draft pick Jaden Hicks had a reputation for being versatile during the course of his career with the Washington State Cougars. Early on during his NFL tenure, he's poised to learn a specific role for Kansas City.

Asked where he best fits in Steve Spagnuolo's defensive scheme, Hicks revealed that he's learning one particular position during rookie minicamp.

"Now, this position here is the free safety," Hicks explained. "It's pretty similar. I'm doing some of the same stuff and that's pretty cool. I already know most of it. Yeah, just fitting in with the guys, doing my job."

Last season with the Cougars, Hick played box safety, slot corner, free safety — he even aligned as a perimeter corner on a handful of snaps. In Kansas City, he's honing in on the free safety spot mainly occupied by now Bills S Mike Edwards a season ago.

For a few days, Jaden Hicks has been summoned over to get some 1-on-1 time with DC Steve Spagnuolo. He's looked sharp in picking up the playbook so far. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/gpUtUdQMMX
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) May 6, 2024

Is Hicks a Mike Edwards replacement for Kansas City?

In the early goings, it looks like the Chiefs have a specific vision for Hicks as they look to offset the loss of Edwards in their secondary.

While Spagnuolo moved Edwards around quite a bit, over half of his 809 defensive snaps saw him aligned at the free safety position. With Bryan Cook back in the fold after a season-ending ankle injury in Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season, Hicks is unlikely to see quite that volume of snaps at free safety. He also has to contend with the over 500 combined snaps that Justin Reid and Chamarri Conner also played at free safety last season.

Hicks will almost certainly learn more spots in the Chiefs' defense as the offseason progresses. Rookie minicamp is only the first step in his post-draft education. Some might argue that free safety isn't even his best position. According to Pro Football Focus, Hicks had the most success as a strong safety during college, allowing just 0.56 yards per coverage snap for the Cougars when aligned in the box.

No matter where he lines up, the rookie feels ready for the challenge.

"What I can add? I can add anything," Hicks said. "I'm very versatile, I think. Anything they ask me, anything the coaches ask of me, I'm going to do it."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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