Tag: Kamren Kinchens

Rams sign two more draft picks, only Jared Verse left to sign

The Rams signed two more of the 2024 draft picks, leaving Jared Verse as the last one left to sign

The Los Angeles Rams got the majority of their 2024 draft class under contract earlier this week, inking seven of their 10 rookies to four-year deals. On Thursday, they signed two more players, Kamren Kinchens and Brennan Jackson, bringing the total to nine, according to ProFootballTalk.

That leaves just one rookie from the Rams’ draft class to sign: Jared Verse, their first-rounder. Verse has yet to sign his rookie contract, not that it’s anything to worry about. Some deals simply take longer to get done, especially when it comes to first- and second-rounders.

Verse was the 19th overall pick in Round 1 out of Florida State. Spotrac projects his contract will be for four years and worth a total of $15.13 million, with a signing bonus of $7.83 million.

Braden Fiske, Kamren Kinchens highlighted as instant-impact rookies in 2024

ESPN highlighted 10 defensive rookies outside Round 1 who could have instant impacts in 2024 and the Rams had two players selected

The Los Angeles Rams most likely wouldn’t have made the playoffs last season if not for the immediate contributions from rookies such as Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner and Byron Young. After selecting another 10 players in this year’s draft, the Rams hope to get a similar impact from their 2024 class, too.

Jared Verse is most likely going to be a Day 1 starter opposite Young at outside linebacker, but there are two other defenders who could help the Rams right away, too.

ESPN highlighted 10 rookies drafted outside the first round on both offense and defense and the Rams had two defenders selected: Braden Fiske and Kamren Kinchens. ESPN sees both of them as players who should help the Rams early on in 2024, potentially lining up as starters in Week 1.

Here’s what was written about Fiske as an instant-impact player for the Rams, who was ranked first by ESPN.

The Rams had an Aaron Donald-sized hole to (try to) fill at defensive tackle, and Fiske should help fill that void immediately. He lives behind the line of scrimmage as a disruptive force, cruising to six sacks over his final five college games and then crushing the pre-draft process. The Rams’ confidence in his skill set was confirmed by trading up via a package that included a 2025 second-round pick.

No one can replace Aaron Donald for the Rams but the addition of Fiske will certainly help Los Angeles fill that void in the middle of the defense. He’s a disruptive defensive tackle who wreaks havoc as a pass rusher and lives in the backfield when teams try to run the ball.

As for Kinchens, the Rams looked past his athletic limitations after running a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash, selecting him in the third round at No. 99 overall. He could be a Day 1 starter next to Kamren Curl and he should help them create more turnovers on the backend; he had 11 interceptions in the last two seasons combined.

The Rams let Jordan Fuller leave in free agency and saw safety as a position of need in free agency and the draft, signing Curl before drafting Kinchens, so the secondary will have an all-new look.

Kinchens was ranked sixth, so ESPN views him highly too.

Part of what I admire about the Rams’ draft strategy is their willingness to compromise on testing thresholds when a player’s tape is too good to ignore. That was the case with Kinchens, despite some teams’ pause over his 4.65-second run in the 40-yard dash at the combine. His overall tape was excellent — 11 picks over the past two years — and he could start next to Kamren Curl from Day 1.

If the Rams can get meaningful contributions from Verse, Fiske and Kinchens on defense, it’ll go a long way toward helping lessen the pain of losing Donald to retirement.

Rams continue to forge new defensive identity in 2024 NFL draft

Under new defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the Rams are forging a new defensive identity on that side of the ball, and it’s exciting to see

The 2024 NFL draft has officially concluded and on paper, early draft analyst grades are ranking the Rams’ 2024 haul amongst the best in the league. What we’ve learned over the course of the last 72 hours is this: The Rams defense is taking on a new identity. And frankly, it’s exciting.

The Rams made 10 selections over the course of the NFL draft, with five of the first six selections allocated to adding much-needed talent to the defensive side of the ball, filling glaring roster voids at outside linebacker, defensive line, and safety.

The selections of Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kamren Kinchens, Brennan Jackson and Tyler Davis reveal similar traits between the five, and could be interpreted as a new defensive identity. This defense intends to inflict a relentlessness and physicality that could draw comparisons to famed Rams defenses of the past.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It’s still unclear what wrinkles new defensive coordinator Chris Shula will fold into the Rams defensive scheme. He’s been a part of the Rams coaching staff since the beginning of the Sean McVay era and has served under prior coordinators Wade Phillips, Brandon Staley, and recently departed Raheem Morris.

One thing is clear, though: He has a plethora of young talent to galvanize into a formidable defensive unit. And the Rams fan base is excited to see how it materializes.

Watch highlights of new Rams safety Kam Kinchens, a ballhawk in the secondary

With the Rams finding a new safety in the NFL draft, fans have high hopes for Kam Kinchens. Here are some of his collegiate highlights.

A solid safety prospect with limited concerns and tremendous upside, Miami’s Kamren Kinches is a young, athletic defender who possesses the ball-tracking ability of a corner and the aggressiveness of a linebacker.

Kinches was drafted with the 99th overall pick in the third round by the Los Angeles Rams and many expect him to compete for a starting job this season. At the very least, Kinches will be a rotational player that will develop into a starter.

He played three years for the Hurricanes, totaling 14 pass deflections and 11 career interceptions. He was also a 2022 first-team All-American selection.

A player who was receiving second-round love throughout the pre-draft process, for the Rams to select a player of this quality is nothing short of a steal. Check out two highlight reels from his last two seasons, showing exactly what type of player the Rams are getting with their 99th overall selection.

2023 Highlights

2022 Highlights

Kamren Kinchens is in company of Sean Taylor, Ed Reed with 11 career INTs

Kamren Kinchens is one of three Miami players with 10+ interceptions in the last 25 years. The other two are Ed Reed and Sean Taylor.

Given the lack of proven talent on defense, the Los Angeles Rams seemed to exceed expectations on that side of the ball in 2023. If there’s one thing they lacked, though, it was turnovers. The Rams ranked 30th in takeaways and 23rd in interceptions, picking off just 10 passes in the regular season.

That’s fewer than new safety Kamren Kinchens had in his last two seasons at Miami alone. Kinchens, who the Rams drafted 99th overall on Friday night, is a certified ballhawk. He picked off 11 passes in the last two years, the only player in college football with at least 10 interceptions since 2022, according to Dane Brugler’s draft guide for The Athletic.

He had six interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 2022 before adding five interceptions and 10 passes defensed last season. It’s rare for a player to create so many turnovers in a two-year span, and this stat puts it into perspective.

According to Brugler, Kinchens is one of three Miami defenders with at least 10 interceptions in the last 25 years. The other two? Sean Taylor and Ed Reed. Talk about elite company.

That’s the sort of playmaking ability Kinchens brings to the Rams defense as a rookie, potentially taking over as a starter from Day 1 next to another Kamren, Kamren Curl.

Rams select Miami S Kamren Kinchens with 99th overall pick

The Rams added another playmaker to their secondary, selecting Miami safety Kamren Kinchens at No. 99 overall

With the second-to-last pick in Round 3, the Los Angeles Rams ended the night with an addition to their revamped secondary. At No. 99 overall, the Rams selected Miami safety Kamren Kinchens.

Kinchens will get a chance to start right away next to Kamren Curl, the team’s free-agent addition at safety this offseason. He was a ball hawk at Miami, picking off 11 passes in the last two seasons alone. He didn’t test well at the combine, running a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash, but he plays faster than his timed speed.

In each of the last two seasons, he made 59 tackles and had four total tackles for a loss since 2022. At 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, he has good size and can be an impactful player in the run game.

If Kinchens wins the starting job, the Rams will have two new safeties atop the depth chart in 2024 after Jordan Fuller and John Johnson III were their primary starters last season.

10 defensive backs for the Ravens to watch at the 2024 NFL combine

We’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Baltimore Ravens to watch during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

The Ravens are in Indianapolis for the NFL combine, and GM Eric DeCosta will be front and center to watch the defensive backs and tight ends work out.

Cornerback depth will be a massive priority for Baltimore, and there will be changes this offseason with Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet, and Rock-Ya-Sin all pending free agents.

With Day 2 of on-field workouts set to begin, we’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Ravens to watch.

10 defensive backs for the Eagles to watch at the 2024 NFL combine

We’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Philadelphia Eagles to watch during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Defensive back depth is a massive priority for the Eagles, and that’ll be the position to watch on Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Howie Roseman is looking to retool the roster following Philadelphia’s historic collapse, finishing the season 1-6 after a 10-1 start.

There could be decisions on cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry in the coming days, while the Eagles only have two safeties on the roster after releasing Kevin Byard.

With Day 2 of on-field workouts set to begin, we’re looking at ten defensive backs for Philadelphia to watch.

4 safeties the Colts should watch at NFL combine

Here are some safeties the Colts should watch at the NFL combine.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine officially got underway with the start of workouts Thursday, and they’ll continue Friday with the defensive backs and tight ends taking the field.

The Indianapolis Colts will have a keen eye on all three positions—safeties and cornerbacks are lumped together—considering they are relatively high priorities in terms of needs this offseason.

While the combine is mostly important for the medical reports and formal interviews with prospects, the on-field testing does carry some weight for the Colts. Their investment in high-end athletes has been well-documented throughout Chris Ballard’s tenure.

With Julian Blackmon potentially hitting free agency in two weeks, the safety position is one of the higher needs for the Colts this offseason.

Here are four safeties the Colts should watch during Friday’s workouts at the NFL combine:

Potential safety targets in 2024 draft for Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense

Who could be safety targets in the 2024 draft for Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense?

If the Green Bay Packers were to play a game this Sunday, they’d roll out Anthony Johnson Jr and Benny Sapp III as their two starting safeties. With Darnell Savage Jr, Rudy Ford and Jonathon Owens set to be free agents, Brian Gutekunst will need to get new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley some safety help this offseason.

“I think it’s an important spot,” Hafley said during his introductory press conference on Thursday. “I think that guy back in the middle of the field, when things break down – when they throw the ball up in the air, he has to go and get it. I think it’s a very important spot in the defense.”

As a team last season the Packers picked off just seven passes, with three of those interceptions coming from the safety group. If it’s up to Hafley, that number will rise during his first season as defensive coordinator at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

“I want a guy who can erase things,” Hafley said. “We gotta eliminate explosive plays when we play this defense, so if a run hits up the middle, this guy’s gotta come out of the middle field with his hair on fire, he’s gotta be able to get a guy down. I also want him to be a guy, when a ball carrier is wrapped up, he goes and he finishes off the pile. I want a guy who can go from sideline to sideline and take the ball away. I think that position has to be a guy with high ball production, meaning he’s gotta be able to intercept the ball. He’s gotta be a guy that can communicate and he’s gotta be a guy that can get guys lined up and make some calls back there and I’d love a guy that can play man, so I guess I’m describing the perfect player to you, but those are some of the traits I’d look for in playing that position.”

There is a lot to digest from what Hafley looks for out of his safeties. Let’s take a look at some defensive backs that fit the bill and that could be targets for the Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Yes, technically DeJean is listed as a cornerback. If the Packers zone in on the Iowa product, they’d likely view him as a hybrid defensive back. He has the rangy athleticism to play centerfield to be the field eraser that Hafley described. He’s quick to trigger coming downhill in run support. Most importantly, DeJean has natural ball skills. Over the past two seasons, DeJean picked off seven passes, broke up 13 passes and scored three touchdowns. He’s the playmaker that Hafley’s defensive scheme needs.

Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

While Nubin may not be the rangiest of safeties in this class he checks a lot of boxes with his ball production and willingness in run support. He’s the first natural safety that came to mind when listening to Hafley describe what he looks for in a safety. 

The Gopher safety is a great communicator from the backend and recognizes route concepts. He’s rarely out of position and doesn’t give up explosive plays. He keeps everything in front of him. A former high school wide receiver, Nubin has natural ball skills and finished his career with 13 interceptions. As a run defender, he has the downfield burst and takes proper angles to the ball carrier.

Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

When talking about natural safeties, Kinchens may have the range in this draft class. He covers a lot of real estate in the backend. Over the past two seasons, the Miami safety picked off 11 passes and broke up 11 more. He understands route combinations and has good field vision. While he’s a willing participant in run support, he’s prone to the occasional whiff (24 missed tackles over the past two seasons). 

Javon Bullard, DB, Georgia

Bullard has the toolkit to be a high-end hybrid defensive back. A former track athlete, Bullard recorded four interceptions and eight pass deflections over the past two seasons. He has the fluidity and short-area quickness to line up in the slot and the range to cover the backend. He flies downhill in run support and packs a little punch when he arrives. 

Calen Bullock, S, USC

The USC safety may have the most natural ball skills of any safety in this draft class. He plays the ball like a wide receiver and finished his career at USC with nine interceptions and 15 pass deflections. He has disciplined eyes and covers a lot of real estate. His poor tackling may keep him off Green Bay’s board. 

Beau Brade, DB, Maryland

The Maryland product brings a versatile skill set. He can play in the box, in the slot or high. He has a quick trigger coming downhill, but will need to clean up his tackling (35 missed tackles over the past two seasons). He has good field vision and is an explosive mover.

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, DB, Texas Tech

The Texas Tech defensive back has a radar for the football. Over the past three seasons, Taylor-Demerson has picked off 10 passes and recorded 33 pass deflections. He has true centerfield range and a high football IQ with good route instincts. Taylor-Demerson has outstanding closing burst when he attacks downhill against the run.

Malik Mustapha, DB, Wake Forest

If Hafley wants a defensive back that plays with his hair on fire, he may fall in love with Mustapha. He’s as tough as nails and flies downhill in run support. He plays with a thumper mentality and lays the wood upon arrival. The Wake Forest defensive back is at his best coming downhill, he has enough range to play in the backend.

Sione Vaki, DB, Utah

Another player that plays like his hair is on fire. The Utah defensive back is a heat-seeking missile and he wants to knock you into another dimension. He’s an explosive athlete and is quick to process the action in front of him. He’s a versatile prospect who can wear multiple hats in Hafley’s defense.

Cole Bishop, S, Utah

The Utah safety is at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage, but he’s capable of filling multiple roles for a defense. Whether he’s playing in the slot, in the box or deep, Bishop is always around the football. 

Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

Like Bishop, Hicks is at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage. That doesn’t mean he can’t roam the middle of Hafley’s defense. Hicks is an active run defender and explodes downhill to meet the ball carrier. Line him up in the box, in the slot or deep, it doesn’t matter, the physicality that Hicks plays with is exactly what Green Bay’s defense needs. He’s another safety who plays with a relentless energy that Hafley is looking for as he looks to build this defense. 

Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State

Hafley coached Proctor during the 2019 season at Ohio State. Talk to anybody around that covered Ohio State this past season and they’ll tell you Proctor was one of the leaders on that defense. He’s a cerebral player who is a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type prospect. He’s just a well-rounded player that can wear multiple hats.