5 surprising Rams rookies who will make a difference in the playoffs

(3) - Rookie DB Kamren Kinchens

When the LA Rams selected Miami Hurricanes' rookie prospect Kamren Kinchens in Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 99th overall pick, nobody expected him to become the only defensive back selected by the team in a rookie draft class bursting with secondary talent. The team entered the draft with an expected need for defensive backs, but the team simply did not find an opportunity to choose more than Kinchens in the draft.

That may be all that was needed. Much like Texas rookie WR Jordan Whittington, Kinchens proved to be a custom fit for this secondary.

The trademark for Kamren Kinchens is a tough-as-nails safety who can be stout in run defense, but whose coverage skills make even solid cornerbacks jealous. And he has the supercomputer processing needed to anticipate where the quarterback and receivers want to go with the football, and get there first.

The LA Rams wanted to upgrade the defense's ability to create turnovers in 2024, and Kinchens contributed masterfully to that goal. He added four interceptions, one pick six of 103 yards for a touchdown, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

In 514 defensive snaps, Kinchens added 57 tackles, one tackle for a loss, broke up six passes, and allowed just 30 of 41 passes targeting his receivers to find their mark.

And there is that pick six, which proved to be one of the best plays of this young defense all season:

Kinchens was not an instant starter. He did appear in all 17 games, but only started in four contests. Still, he was a valued rotational player for the defense all season long, and his contribution did not go unnoticed. In addition to the Rams obvious rookie standouts on the defensive front - OLB Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske - DB Kamren Kinchens was honored by The 33rd Team's rookie defensive class in 2024:

Kinchens proved to be a difference maker for the young and opportunistic defense. Tied with undrafted rookie safety Jaylen McCollough with four interceptions apiece, Kinchens made opposing offenses wary of throwing too often, or too far, when it came to the second half of close games.

He plays with a ferocity and physicality that reminds me very much of veteran DB John Johnson III. He has the strength and snarl that is the vital ingredient for solid run defense. But he can read routes, watch quarterbacks' eyes, and cling like velcro to offer great pass coverage. And he does so as a rookie, which means that he will continue to get better each week and season.