Get ready to be dazzled by 5 2024 Rams rookies as they fight for larger roles

(1) - DB Kamren Kinchens

When the Rams selected the University of Miami rookie prospect defensive back Kamren Kinchens, the team's depth chart appeared to have little in the way of opportunity for a rookie. The team has returning veteran DBs Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, John Johnson III, and signed FA Kam Curl. But cream always rises to the top.

The early part of the season was not smooth sailing for Kinchens. At the Week 6 BYE, he has 71 defensive snaps, 13 tackles, and struggles so much that he did not even see any action in Week 5. But he fought his way back to relevance in the secondary. By the time Week 9 rolled in, he was back in the secondary rotation. But he would put his stamp on a larger role against the Seattle Seahawks. In that game, Kinchens would pick off Seahawks QB Geno Smith twice, once for an outstanding 103-yard pick-six, and lead the Rams to an overtime 26-20 win.

From that point on, Kinchens would never play fewer than 28 defensive snaps in a game.

While Kinchens would only start four games, he would pair up with undrafted Rams rookie DB Jaylen McCollough to lead the team with four interceptions. His regular season overall performance grade from Pro Football Focus was an impressive 67.7, which was consistent in both run and pass defense. But his pass coverage ramped up to 76.2 in the playoffs. It's beginning to click for Kinchens.

And therein lies the rub. Like many other players on this list, the acclimation period for Kinchens is behind him. It didn't all start to click for Kinchens until Week 7. You can expect Kinchens to be ready to roll in Week 1 this season. Even with a slow start and just 514 defensive snaps, Kinchens ended the season with 57 tackles, four interceptions, and one tackle for a loss. With a full season ahead, Kinchens could top those numbers rather handily.

For the Rams to perform better this season, individual players have to up their game. While almost anyone who takes the football field this season is open to doing better, these five 2024 Rams rookies make a great deal of sense to project better numbers in 2025.

Not everyone on this list has to perform at an All-Pro level in 2025. Improving the team's success simply means incremental improvements from players. And there is enough room for improvement from these five players to make a noticeable difference.

Look for the Rams to get off to a faster start in 2025. Undefeated? That's a stretch. But I do believe that 5-2 is very doable leading into the Week 8 BYE. And if the Rams can start that well, they have a legitimate shot at finishing this season at 14-3 or 13-4.

OTAs start soon. And that means that the 2025 NFL season is just around the corner. As always, thanks for reading.

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