Former Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman signs UDFA deal after 2023 NFL Draft

Former Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman has landed at his new NFL home. After declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft following a four-year career in Columbus, Hickman was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

His entrance into the professional ranks comes after four years spent with the Buckeyes. He didn’t see the field as a true freshman and only appeared in two games the next season, but he really came on strong as an upperclassman. Hickman played in 13 games in each of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, totaling 99 tackles in ’21 and 53 in ’22. He also had three total interceptions in college and recored seven pass deflections, all this past fall.

Hickman made his departure with eligibility still in the tank, but for good reason. He became a consistent contributor for a top program by his third year with the team, and then he only elevated his play in pass coverage in year four. He’s talented and showed out as a redshirt sophomore and junior. A lot of potential with him.

Hickman played high school football at Wayne (NJ) DePaul Catholic, where he was a four-star player in the 2019 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He was also rated as the No. 128 overall player and No. 15 safety in his cycle.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Ronnie Hickman

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein broke down Hickman’s profile over on NFL.com, where he wrote the following about the former Buckeye star:

“Two-year starter with NFL size but lacking functional change of direction as an open-field tackler. Hickman is at his best as a down safety or big nickel, where he doesn’t have to close as much distance on the runner or pass-catcher. He can make plays as a run defender and in coverage when he’s in position, but issues redirecting in small spaces create uncertainty that he can play consistently enough to move beyond backup status.”

Zierlein points out the weaknesses for Hickman, however he likes what the Ohio State product showed in college at the highest level possible. Per this NFL analyst, Hickman has the requisite athletic traits to develop into an NFL starter in the defensive backfield, but he just has to improve his reactive ability as a tackler.

Best of luck to a a terrific OSU player as he heads off to the NFL.