The composition of the Seattle Seahawks’ safety lineup will undergo significant changes this season.
Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs have both been released earlier in the offseason, although they remain without contracts. In their place, Seattle has signed Rayshawn Jenkins to partner with Julian Love, who joined the Seahawks last offseason and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2023.
While Love and Jenkins bring versatility to the position, they represent more conventional safety roles compared to Adams. Adams, when not sidelined by injury, often assumed multiple defensive roles for Seattle, frequently lining up in the box or as an edge rusher.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks have the opportunity to further diversify their safety options with the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. During a discussion with Pro Football Focus draft analyst Trevor Sikkema on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy show, former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus inquired about potential prospects resembling Jamal Adams, highlighting Jaden Hicks from Washington State University (WSU).
Sikkema praised Hicks, citing his progression from questioning his Division-1 capabilities as a freshman to becoming an impactful defensive player. Hicks’ transition from cornerback in high school to safety at WSU showcased his determination and adaptability, ultimately enhancing his defensive skills and communication abilities.
While Sikkema believes Hicks may not fit the mold of a single-high safety, he emphasizes Hicks’ potential as a valuable asset in the back-end defense, especially given the NFL’s defensive trends favoring two-high coverage schemes. Additionally, Sikkema mentioned Sioni Vaki from Utah as another intriguing Pac-12 prospect for the Seahawks to consider, praising Vaki’s athleticism and versatility as both a former running back and a strong safety with a knack for delivering impactful tackles.
