Chiefs take Washington State’s Jaden Hicks. He’ll reunite with college teammate in KC

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to double up with success stories from the Washington State secondary.

KC used its second fourth-round pick Saturday — No. 133 overall — on Washington State safety Jaden Hicks.

That continues a trend. In 2022, KC selected Washington State cornerback Jaylen Watson in the seventh round. Hicks and Watson played together one season at WSU in 2021.

“I just got off the phone with him. Man, it’s amazing,” Hicks said Saturday. “It’s awesome to see him and what he’s doing. But I’m excited to be reunited with him.”

Hicks, listed at 6-3 and 212 pounds at Washington State, appears to be good value based on consensus draft boards. He ranked 54th, for instance, on Pro Football Focus’ final Big Board rankings.

Chiefs area scout Greg Castillo said he was surprised that Hicks fell to the fourth round but was happy he did.

“Just the effective versatility that he brings to us, it’s hard to find,” Castillo said, “especially at that value.”

Castillo envisioned that KC defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and safeties coach Donald D’Alesio would “utilize (Hicks’) skill set very well.” Castillo said Hicks can play both safety positions, at the linebacker level and also is able to line up in man coverage over tight ends and slot receivers.

“He can do things well in multiple spots,” Castillo said. “We’re lucky we got him.”

The Chiefs adding secondary help makes some sense given the team traded star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans earlier this offseason.

Hicks, also known for his big hitting, said he enjoyed watching old-school NFL safeties while recently working out with Hall of Famer Rod Woodson.

While he admitted that it “wasn’t a great feeling” to fall to the draft’s fourth round, Hicks said he was excited about the opportunity ahead.

“They’re the Super Bowl champs,” Hicks said of the Chiefs, “so I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”