Who is R.J. Mickens? Versatile safety has always believed, now gets his chance in 2025 NFL draft

Who is R.J. Mickens?

R.J. Mickens was graded the 14th-best safety in the nation during the 2020 recruiting cycle. Originally from Southlake, Texas, Mickens opted to play for the Clemson Tigers over the Ohio State Buckeyes as his final two options.

The safety spent five years at Clemson, first contributing on special teams while playing various roles in the secondary. He had a breakout year as a senior, taking on the role of a team captain and then embodying that role on the field. Mickens’ 2024 season elevated his draft stock significantly, and he never lost faith that he’d make it to the NFL.

R.J. Mickens’ father, Ray Mickens, played ten seasons in the NFL, eight of which he spent with the New York Jets. While he was an outside corner, his son R.J. is more of a strong safety.

In five years at Clemson Mickens built a great relationship with Dabo Swinney, who noted he was extremely proud of the safeties development with the program. While it’s getting increasingly uncommon for college athletes to spend five full years with one program, Mickens stayed the course and earned his stripes.

R.J. Mickens skill set

R.J. Mickens height, weight and age

R.J. Mickens has a similar build and playing style to John Johnson III, who has been a successful strong safety in the NFL for several years. Johnson III is six-foot and around 208 lbs.

R.J. Mickens 40-yard dash time

R.J. Mickens ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at the combine. His critics have claimed he’s perhaps not a great fit for a free safety role as he struggles to turn and run with vertical routes. Likely better suited to play strong safety, Mickens still has more than enough speed to rally to the football in the NFL.

R.J. Mickens stats vs. other mid-round safeties in the 2025 NFL draft

While R.J. Mickens has starting quality at the NFL level, he is expected to go off the board in rounds three or four. Here are his 2024 numbers versus other safeties in a similar region.

Teams that could draft R.J. Mickens in the 2025 NFL draft

There will be teams looking for safeties in the 2025 NFL draft, and it’s a strong group. R.J. Mickens might not start on day one but he does have the upside to play a starting role long term. Teams may keep that in mind, pairing the Clemson talent with a veteran safety he can learn from early in his career.