The Los Angeles Chargers strengthened their safety lineup by selecting Clemson's R.J. Mickens with the 214th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. As the son of former NFL veteran Ray Mickens, R.J. has a solid football lineage and hails from a prestigious college program. Although he joins a team with established safeties like Derwin James and Alohi Gilman, Mickens is expected to contribute immediately on special teams while developing into a defensive role. He possesses a good mix of size and awareness, though his speed and technique will be crucial for success in man coverage. With veteran Tony Jefferson aging, Mickens could seize the opportunity to make a significant impact as a rookie.

R.J. Mickens was chosen by the Los Angeles Chargers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, providing additional depth to their safety position.

He is the son of Ray Mickens, a 10-year NFL veteran, and comes from Clemson, a top college football program, which enhances his prospects as a rookie.

The Chargers' existing safety lineup includes prominent players like Derwin James and Alohi Gilman, with Elijah Molden also being a notable acquisition from the previous season.

Mickens is praised for his blend of size and length, along with his pre-snap anticipation and post-snap instincts, although his speed and technique will be key to his success.

His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, marked by a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, answered questions about his speed, indicating his readiness for professional play.

The aging of veteran safety Tony Jefferson opens a potential pathway for Mickens to make a significant impact during his rookie season.

Mickens is expected to be an immediate contributor on special teams, while also working his way into the Chargers' defensive rotation.

The Los Angeles Chargers have added more depth to the safety position, grabbing Clemson safety R.J. Mickens with the No. 214 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

He is another player with NFL bloodlines as his father, Ray Mickens, was a 10-year NFL veteran who played mostly with the New York Jets. His son, R.J., comes from one of the top programs in college football and for a sixth-round pick, is a player who will have a tremendous opportunity to make the team as a rookie. 

The Chargers have Derwin James and Alohi Gilman at the safety position and Elijah Molden was a tremendous acquisition for the team last season. James was used all over the formation and that is something the team could do again this season, but Mickens should have a chance to be an immediate contributor on special teams while working his way into the defensive rotation. 

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had this to say about Mickens in his scouting report:

"Mickens has a desirable blend of size and length for his move to the pros. The son of a former NFL cornerback, he plays like a pro with good pre-snap anticipation and post-snap instincts. His field awareness is a plus in zone coverage, but he’s not sudden or fast, so technique and timing will be crucial for man-cover success. His ability to alter pursuit angles and break down in space as a tackler help him stand out against others in this class. He’s technically sound as a wrap-up tackler but his stopping power is fairly average. Mickens answered questions about his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.49-second 40-yard dash), so his consistency in reading and responding to the play should not be diminished."

Behind the three names mentioned above, the Chargers have Tony Jefferson, Emany Johnson and Kendall Williamson at the safety position. Jefferson is a trusted veteran, but he's aging, and that could open the door for Mickens to make an impact as a rookie. 

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

MORE CHARGERS CONTENT

NFL Draft 2025: Chargers select Pitt OT Branson Taylor with pick No. 199

Grading Chargers' fourth-round selection of edge rusher Kyle Kennard

NFL Draft 2025: Chargers select TE Oronde Gadsden II with pick No. 165

NFL Draft 2025: Chargers select WR Keandre Lambert-Smith with pick No. 158

Grading Chargers' third-round selection of defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell