The Clemson Insider · Jan 13
Former Tiger Pegged as Most Impactful Rookie
Pro Football Focus (PFF) went through and highlighted the most impactful rookie for each NFL team during the 2025 regular season, based on instant contributions, workload and PFF grades.
Former Clemson standout safety R.J. Mickens was pegged as the most impactful rookie for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mickens started six of the 12 games he appeared in during his first professional regular season, tallying 29 total tackles, two passes defended and two interceptions.
Here’s what PFF’s Ben Cooper wrote about Mickens, who was selected by the Chargers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 214 overall pick: