The hot days at training camp are underway for the Kansas City Chiefs rookie class as they get a head start adjusting to life in the NFL.
The Chiefs drafted Jaden Hicks in the fourth round of April’s NFL Draft with hopes to utilize his versatility. He spoke with reporters on Wednesday about the challenge of learning multiple positions and the help he’s gotten so far from the coaching staff.
“It’s pretty difficult just because it’s multiple positions. But, I mean, it’s going to help me long term and overall, just because I know where multiple spots are at, and multiple places,” said Hicks. “So it’ll help me overall, and that’s what I just try to lock in and realize: that’s what it’s going to be at, and, wherever, whatever happens, I can play wherever.”
Hicks was a starter in his last year at Washington State but made his mark in 2022, starting 11 of 13 games and had 76 tackles, one interception, and one sack. He spoke highly of Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt’s influence.
“He’s a great coach. Very detailed guy. He makes sure our communication is on there and always up to date.” said Hicks. “He’s just a good coach to be around, having your corner, making sure we’re all on the same page. Again, the communication is at a high level.”
Hicks joins a young and talented secondary with multiple players trying to improve their stock for more playing time.