The Kansas City Chiefs are going to have a super different secondary when the real games kick off due to several offseason departures, and that could open the door for Jaden Hicks to take on a bigger role. If the preseason is any indication, Hicks is making a strong case for it. The former fourth-round pick was all over the field against the Rams, finishing with an 88.3 overall PFF grade across 33 snaps.
His work in coverage was impressive, as Hicks posted a team-best 79.9 PFF coverage grade while allowing just two yards into his coverage. More sports: Steelers QB Will Howard Deserves More Praise for Preseason Performance He didn't stop there. Hicks also avoided a missed tackle and posted a 72.8 PFF run-defense grade, giving Kansas City lots to like about his performance on both sides of the ball.
Hicks has already seen a good deal of action during his first two seasons with the Chiefs. Now, with Bryan Cook in Cincinnati, there's an opening in the safety rotation, and Hicks could be in a position to take advantage of it. Sports news: Bears QB Tyson Bagent is a Player to Watch At 24 years old, Hicks still has room to grow, but he's no longer an unknown quantity in Kansas City.
He's already gotten experience, and his preseason performance against the Rams showed what he can do when he's given the chance to make an impact. The Chiefs will have some decisions to make with their revamped secondary, and Hicks has given them one more reason to consider him for a larger role. Of course, one strong preseason outing won't settle the debate.
But, if Hicks keeps playing like this, Kansas City might have a tougher time keeping him off the field than they expected.
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