Story by
Pros, cons of Los Angeles Chargers picking Clemson's RJ Mickens in 2025 NFL Draft
- Story by
- Pros, cons of Los Angeles Chargers picking Clemson's RJ Mickens in 2025 NFL Draft
Safety R.J. Mickens from Clemson football is officially an NFL rookie after the Los Angeles Chargers picked him in the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26.
Mickens was selected No. 214 overall in the sixth round. He is the second Clemson player taken in this year's draft.
Advertisement
Here's what Mickens brings to Los Angeles , based on our own observations from his tenure at Clemson:
What RJ Mickens brings to Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 NFL Draft
Mickens spent five seasons with Clemson and saved his best year for last, recording career highs in tackles (77) and pass deflections (nine). The 6-foot, 199-pound defensive back has desirable size and length, and he is the son of a former NFL player, Ray Mickens Sr., who was a third-round pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Jets .
Mickens had questions about his speed but quieted doubters after running 4.49 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
Advertisement
RJ Mickens highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Clemson football
Mickens' best coverage game came against Virginia Tech last season, recording an interception and three pass deflections. He tied his career high in tackles with 10 versus Stanford .
Mickens is an instinctual player who has solid pre- and post-snap anticipation. These allow him to read-and-react to fast-tempo offenses and make crucial reads. He is also a willing tackler who uses length to finish wrap-up tackles.
A concern for Mickens is his speed despite running a 4.49 in the 40. He has the ability to understand defenses, but speed can limit his chances of making a given play.
Advertisement
RJ Mickens stats at Clemson football
Across 60 games (30 starts), Mickens logged:
-
19 pass deflections
-
Seven interceptions
-
196 tackles (13.5 for loss)
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Pros, cons of Los Angeles Chargers picking Clemson's R.J. Mickens in NFL Draft
