It has been one hell of a rookie season for former Miami Hurricanes star Kamren Kinchens. And lordy, how the 2022 first-team All-American closed a lot of mouths along the way.
Kinchens, as Miami fans recall, saw his stock at an all-time low after a pretty forgettable 2023 season that saw him seem to regress, particularly in pass defense. His poor combine numbers – which included a 4.65 40-yard dash time – also raised further questions ahead of the draft by many draft pundits. As such, Kinchens, once projected to be a first round pick, didn’t end up hearing his name called until very late in round three with the Rams (pick number 99).
However, while first-round pick FSU edge Jared Verse has gotten a lot of the publicity this year with a strong season, Kinchens has proven the Rams got another first-round talent at the end of the third round. And it’s not just solid play overall, but a knack for making the big, splashy play that’s been the calling card for Kam this year.
Kinchens, despite starting only 3 of 16 games he’s appeared in (459 defensive snaps), is tied for the team lead with 4 interceptions this year, along with fellow rookie Jaylen McCollough. But he’s managed to deliver big plays in key moments and key games. His two interceptions, including a 103-yard pick six earlier this season at Seattle helped the Rams escape in overtime with a huge divisional road win. Last week against the Cardinals, Kinchens skied high over Marvin Harrison, Jr. and snared an interception late during a 13-9 win. The Rams would clinch the NFC West the next day on the strength of some wacky tiebreakers.
KAM KINCHENS GOT HIS HANDS ON IT
: @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/5vOgzPPLOp
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 29, 2024
It’s always nice to see Pro Canes succeed, but it’s even sweeter when they do it when they enter the league being doubted. There’s no doubt that Kam Kinchens did that and that his trajectory is astronomical as his first professional season comes close to an end. Hopefully he can help the Rams made a deep playoff run later this month.
Go Canes!