26-04-2025
2025 NFL draft: Why the Chargers selected R.J. Mickens with the 214th pick
2025 NFL draft: Why the Chargers selected R.J. Mickens with the 214th pick
The Chargers have added some competition for Tony Jefferson's roster spot.
While Jefferson became a fan favorite after coming out of retirement and playing a role for the Chargers in 2024, his spot as the fourth safety behind Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, and Elijah Molden was never secure. The hold on that spot has loosened further, as Los Angeles selected safety RJ Mickens with the No. 214 pick in the draft on Saturday.
Mickens played punt coverage all five seasons at Clemson and ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, so his skills as a special teamer will give him an inside track at making the initial 53-man roster. A productive player on the ball at Clemson thanks to his background as a high school wide receiver, Mickens has also played all over the formation for the Tigers, primarily at free safety or in the nickel. Defensively, he'll likely back up Elijah Molden, who plays a similar role for the Chargers.
The son of 11-year NFL veteran Ray Mickens, the newest Charger is an intelligent understander of angles to the football and consistently flashes as a strong tackler. He doesn't consistently play to his testing numbers, which suggests that there may be some room for him to grow into a defensive contributor. With Gilman set to hit free agency after the season, Mickens could grab a role on defense as early as 2026.
