Jaden Hicks hasn’t played a single snap in the NFL yet — but Chiefs Kingdom already believes he’s ready to step up.

In a recent “Reacts” fan poll conducted by Arrowhead Pride, an overwhelming 80% of Kansas City Chiefs fans voted that rookie safety Jaden Hicks is ready to contribute right away, possibly even as a starter.

The optimism stems from Hicks’ strong offseason showing and the leadership vacuum that could emerge in the secondary if veteran Justin Reid moves on after this season. Hicks, a fifth-round pick out of Washington State, has been praised for his football IQ, physicality, and versatility, drawing early comparisons to players like Juan Thornhill and even a young Tyrann Mathieu.

🧠 Film Doesn’t Lie

Fans aren’t just hopeful — they’re informed. Hicks’ college tape shows a player who flies to the football, isn’t afraid to hit, and rarely makes the same mistake twice. He excelled in multiple roles at Wazzu: deep safety, box safety, and even slot defender.

His playstyle fits well into Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive system, which thrives on hybrid DBs who can disguise coverages and bring heat when needed.

🎙️ What the Fans Are Saying

“Jaden Hicks is a dawg. If Spags lets him roam like he did with Thornhill in 2019, we’re gonna be just fine.” – @ChiefsFan87

“He’s already outplaying expectations. Let the kid get his reps.” – @RedKingdomRide

🧩 Big Shoes, But Big Upside

Replacing someone like Justin Reid — or even rotating alongside him — is no small task. But with camp buzz building and his name constantly coming up in positive defensive reports, Jaden Hicks might just be the next young gem in Kansas City’s dominant defense.

The Chiefs have a recent history of developing late-round picks into stars, and Hicks could be the next in line.