Rookie Safety R.J. Mickens Earns NFL’s Top Grade in Preseason Debut

For Mickens, this early success is the next chapter in a football journey defined by consistency, leadership, and a knack for finding the ball. The former Clemson standout carved out a storied college career, logging 2,174 defensive snaps over 60 games—making him just the 10th player in program history to reach that milestone. During his five seasons with the Tigers, he totaled 229 tackles (13.5 for loss), seven interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.

In 2024, Mickens enjoyed his best season yet, finishing third on the team with 85 tackles (6.0 for loss) to go with seven pass breakups and two interceptions in 13 starts. His production came in big moments, whether it was recording six tackles and two pass breakups against No. 1 Georgia, snagging an interception at Virginia Tech, or racking up 10 tackles and an interception on the road against No. 3 Texas. Teammates recognized his impact by voting him a permanent team captain, and he earned fourth-team All-ACC honors from Phil Steele.

The Chargers selected Mickens in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, praising his versatility to play free safety, nickel, and in the box, while also bringing special teams value. That versatility was on full display in his preseason debut, where he posted 11 total tackles (six solo), a forced fumble, and a pass defended.

Mickens also carries a deep NFL pedigree—his father, Ray Mickens, played 10 seasons in the league, mostly with the New York Jets, as one of the premier nickel corners of his era. Now, the younger Mickens is building his own legacy, and if his first NFL action is any indication, the Chargers may have found a steal.

With a strong debut and a top rookie safety grade to his name, Mickens has positioned himself as one of the preseason’s breakout defensive players—exactly the kind of start a sixth-round pick dreams about.