With the 2025 NFL season nearing its end, Pro Football Focus (PFF) identified one breakout candidate for each team ahead of the 2026 campaign. Former Clemson safety R.J. Mickens was pegged as the early 2026 breakout candidate for the Los Angeles Chargers. Mickens recorded his first career NFL interception in the Chargers’ Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He later nabbed his second career pick in Week 10, when he intercepted future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the Chargers’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mickens recorded 229 tackles (13.5 for loss), seven interceptions, 15 pass breakups and a fumble recovery in his Clemson career from 2020-24.