Kamren Kinchens is as Good as it Gets at Safety in 2024 NFL Draft

There is a lot to like about Miami Hurricanes’ safety Kamren Kinchens, and there are a couple things I don’t like.

However, if an NFL team needs a safety in this draft, Kinchens is the man for the job.

He’s got that playmaking vibe and while Kinchens didn’t make the first-round cut at First Round Mock, he is a nice day-two value.

The best safety I’ve evaluated since jumping back into this in 2021 is Texans’ safety Jalen Pitre. I had a first-round grade on Pitre and that is the standard in my mind. While Kinchens showed flashes of aggression, he did not show it consistently like Pitre did coming out of Baylor in 2022.

Pitre led Houston in tackles in 2022, and was third on his team in tackles in 2023.

The Texans selected Pitre early in the second round (No. 37).

What’s the big thing holding Kinchens back?

The consistent ability to provide ‘help over the top.’ That’s when safeties are asked to be responsible for covering the deep halves of the field when there are deep passes thrown. Safeties need to get over there in time to make a play on the ball and assist cornerbacks who are covering that receiver.

While Kinchens shows he can fly all over the field, he is less inclined to get over to be able to provide that help at the right moment (most of the time).

Thoughts on the slower Combine 40?

The buzz is all about Kinchens ‘slower’ 40-yard-dash time’ he recorded at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. He put up a 4.65.

I’m not concerned about that and that is not the reason he can’t consistently provide that help over the top in coverage.

How do I know that?

Because he flashed on game film the ability to be able to get there in time.

Kinchens plays faster than his recorded Combine 40.

At his pro day, Kinchens put up a 4.57.

Is his speed a factor?

Sure it is.

Safety is all about range and want.

He’s not blazing fast and that sometimes causes him to be an ‘after-the-fact’ defender as opposed to a consistent playmaker, which is another reason I didn’t put a first-round grade on him. An ‘after the fact’ defender is just like it sounds. He arrives ‘after the fact’ and is only able to secure the tackle once the damage has been done and the catch has been made.

Kinchens makes up for it by often being in position and if he doesn’t have to go too far when the ball is in the air, he proved he can get there in time to even make a play on the ball.

Complete safety

He is solid in coverage, run defense, and as a blitzer. If you don’t believe me, ask North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. He had enough juice to run in unblocked and sack him.

Kinchens additionally provides solid leadership and shows some emotion, which will be a good influence in a secondary. In the words of the commentator in the Texas A&M game, “He can change the game in one play.”

#5 Kamren Kinchens 6-foot-0, 205 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Second-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 25.2% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 16, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Last Line of Defense: Kamren Kinchens (5 games evaluated)

2023 game film reviewed: Clemson, Texas A&M, North Carolina, FSU (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2023 stats: 59 tackles, 40 solo, 19 assists, 5 passes defended, 1 sack and 5 interceptions

Carted off the field Sept 9, 2023

Pro Football Focus Profile

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Plug-and-play solid last line of defense prospect. Brings a presence. Sometimes takes his God-given ability for granted. Physical edge. Decent speed. Decent want. Can pop ball carriers and receivers. Also, can wrap and tackle. Showed short-area burst. Good understanding. Takes good angles. Comes downhill fast. Decent ball instincts. Typically around the ball. Can roll down into the box. Run defense is important to him. Moves the meter.

Final words

I like him, but I don’t love him.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.