RJ Mickens Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network)
School: Clemson
Class: Senior
Position: SAF
HT: 6’0
WT: 199 lbs
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Background: RJ Mickens was a 4-star safety in the class of 2020 out of Southlake, Texas. RJ is the son of former Texas A&M All-American and New York Jet, Ray Mickens. Mickens was a top 30 player in Texas and a top 15 safety nationally. Mickens played for Southlake Carroll High School, where he was a four-year starter as a defensive back, wide receiver, and punt returner. After RJ’s high school career, he played in the Army All-American Bowl. RJ Mickens chose to play for Clemson over his father’s Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and others.
College: Mickens received limited snaps as a freshman in 2020, but in 2021 he became a key piece of the defense. In 2022, Mickens was an All-ACC Third Team selection after recording 55 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups. In 2023, Mickens was credited with four pass breakups and 50 tackles. He was an All-ACC honorable mention in 2024 after recording 85 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions.
Strengths: RJ Mickens is a productive coverage safety for the Clemson defense. He has fluid hips in coverage to allow for quick change of direction ability. Mickens diagnoses offensive schemes quickly and can process what is going on in front of him. He can flip from his backpedal to his sprint in a hurry to stay in phase with his matchup. He shows no issues coming down and matching up with tight ends in man coverage. He plays bigger than his size and can hold his own against those tight ends. Mickens can be moved all over the defense, whether it is in the box, deep safety, or matching up in man coverage. Mickens has a quick downhill trigger. He is able to get downhill and meet the ball at the intended target in the intermediate areas. Mickens is an effective run defender and is an above average tackler for a defensive back. He is willing to tackle and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.
Weaknesses: Mickens’ measurables are lackluster for his position. He has short arms which is apparent in zone coverage and can lead to him lose battles for the football or allowing completions in the intermediate areas. His tackling technique needs refinement. While he is willing, he is not consistently effective. His struggles with tackling largely stem from his measurables. He struggles with wrapping up the upper body of the ball carrier and tries to arm tackle on occasion, causing him to bounce right into the dirt empty handed.
Conclusion: RJ Mickens is an instinctive coverage safety. He will be best suited in a two high safety defense, where he can lurk in the third level of the defense, diagnose routes, and make a play on the football.
Scheme Fit: Two High Safety
Ideal Role: Deep Safety
Best Team Fits: JAX, SF, DAL
Player Comparison: Ar’Darius Washington
Player Grade: Round 4 (62.2)
