Big big day!
Hello, Coug fans!
On Thursday April 25th, the 2024 NFL draft kicked off. While no Washington State players heard their names in the first round, Jaden Hicks, Brennan Jackson and Chau Smith-Wade all hoped to get the call.
Today, Saturday April 27th, dreams came true.
While this is not the first time we’ve heard any of these names (or written about them on this website, for that matter) let’s take a look at the careers of those three Cougar greats.
Jaden Hicks is a Safety that came to Washington State in 2021, with three interceptions for 37 yards and two touchdowns during his time with the Cougs. He also landed 155 tackles, 8 for loss. You can watch his 2023 season highlights here!
At the combine, Hicks had a vertical of 37.5 inches, and a 4.37 second 20 yard shuffle.
He was selected by the Chiefs!!! He’ll join Jaylen Watson in Kansas City. Congrats, Jaden!! He was drafted in the fourth round.
Brennan Jackson is an Edge who first game to WSU as a Redshirt Freshman in 2018. He quickly climbed his way up the depth chart, and into our hearts, blossoming with 164 career tackles, 20-151 sacks per yard, and more. You can watch some of his highlights here. Jackson ran a 4.69 second 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine, had a vertical of 33.5”, and a 1.62 second 10 yard dash.
He was selected by the LA Rams! As an LA native himself, this pick personifies always finding a way Back Home. We’re so proud of you, Brennan! He was drafted in the fifth round.
Chau Smith-Wade is listed on the NFL Draft website as a defensive back/cornerback. His debut with the Cougs showcased him in two games in 2020 where he made eight tackles, one for loss and one pass breakup against Oregon and Oregon State. He accumulated 71 total solo career tackles, 103 total. He made three interceptions as well, one of which went for 28 yards in 2022 against Arizona State. At the combine, he had a 40 yard dash of 4.54 seconds, and a 10 yard split of 1.55 seconds. Here are his highlights!
He was selected by the Panthers!! Keep Pounding! He was drafted in the fifth round.
While Lincoln Victor and Ron Stone Jr. didn’t hear their names yet, that doesn’t mean they won’t see the big stage. There are a lot of moving pieces in the NFL process (that I am not an expert on), but one thing we know for sure? Wherever they go, we’ll be proud and cheer them on.
Go Cougs!