R.J. Mickens S Clemson | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
R.J. Mickens S Clemson
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/14/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.59 seconds (41%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowl Invite: Shrine Bowl | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | |
| Last Updated: 02/14/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.59 seconds (41%*) | |
| Bowl Invite: Shrine Bowl | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 82.2 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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79% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 66.6 | |
| Tackling: |
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75% |
| Run Defense: |
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71% |
| Coverage: |
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88% |
| Zone: |
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83% |
| Man/Press: |
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86% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
6th
Overall Rank:
#202
Position rank:
#38
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| College Games: 55 College Snaps: 2120 | ||
ESPN RATING: 82/100
College Combine Results
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Draft Profile: Bio
Born with NFL bloodlines coursing through his veins, R.J. Mickens has proven he's more than just his father's son during his time patrolling the secondary for Clemson. The legacy of Ray Mickens Sr. – an eight-year NFL veteran – provided the foundation, but the younger Mickens carved his own path through 60 career games for the Tigers, including 30 starts. His journey from Texas high school standout to All-ACC performer showcases a player who's consistently elevated his game each season.After cutting his teeth on special teams as a freshman, Mickens developed into a versatile chess piece in Clemson's secondary, culminating in a breakout 2024 campaign where he racked up 85 tackles and earned permanent team captain honors. His evolution from spot contributor to defensive anchor mirrors his father's trajectory, though R.J. has made his mark more in coverage than as the pure corner his dad was. The younger Mickens' career numbers – 229 tackles, seven interceptions, and 15 pass breakups – tell the story of a complete safety who can impact the game in multiple ways.
The Southlake Carroll product saved his best for last, turning in a senior season that saw him notch career highs across the board while taking on an expanded leadership role. His performance in marquee matchups – including 10 tackles against Texas and 11 versus Stanford – demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Processes route combinations quickly in zone coverage, consistently putting himself in position to make plays on crossing patterns and intermediate throws
- Exceptional change-of-direction ability allows him to mirror tight ends in man coverage, particularly excelling when he can get physical at the line
- Shows advanced football intelligence in diagnosing screen plays and draw runs, rarely getting caught out of position against misdirection
- Versatile defender who's equally comfortable playing single-high, in the box, or matching up against tight ends in the slot
- Quick trigger against the run with no hesitation coming downhill, showing the kind of old-school safety mentality that defensive coordinators love
- Natural leadership qualities shine through in critical moments, evidenced by his clutch performances in big games and team captain selection
- Demonstrates excellent balance through his transitions, maintaining proper leverage while flipping his hips to stay in phase with receivers
- Battle-tested against elite competition, showing consistent improvement through four years in the ACC gauntlet
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Limited long speed could expose him against vertical threats at the next level, particularly when asked to cover deep third responsibilities
- Tends to resort to grabbing when beaten at the top of routes, which will draw flags from stricter NFL officials
- Takes some questionable angles in pursuit, particularly when coming from the deep safety position against outside runs
- Ankle-biting tackle technique needs refinement, as bigger NFL backs will run through his lower body attempts
- Lacks the elite range teams covet in a true single-high safety, which could limit his scheme versatility at the next level
Scouting Report: Summary
Mickens projects as a versatile safety who can contribute in multiple packages right away while developing into a potential starter. His intellectual approach to the game and proven ability to match up with tight ends give him immediate value in sub-packages. His blend of intelligence and physicality gives him the tools to be a reliable defensive piece who can fill multiple roles in the secondary.His best fit at the next level will be with a defense that employs multiple coverage looks and isn't afraid to move their safeties around. Teams running heavy Cover-2 or quarters concepts will particularly value his ability to read and react in zone while bringing the thunder against the run. While he might not have the pure range to be an every-down single-high safety, his versatility and football IQ will make him a valuable chess piece in the right system.
Look for Mickens to make an immediate impact on special teams while carving out a role in sub-packages. His ceiling might not be as high as some other safeties in this class, but his floor is remarkably solid. Smart defensive coordinators will find ways to maximize his strengths while minimizing his exposure to unfavorable matchups against elite speed.
How other scouting services rate R.J. Mickens (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
240.7
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
62.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.