The Rams trusts the future to untested young players, including Stetson Bennett

DB Kamren Kinchens

While rookie defensive back Kamren Kinchens did not get a great deal of work in the 2024 preseason, the team wanted to make sure that he had a solid feel for the game in as realistic conditions as possible. With three safeties ahead of him on the depth chart, his participation in preseason games was a certainty.

Despite Kinchens limited amount of work in the preseason, he did make his presence felt. While statistics for defensive backs are difficult to find, Kinchens did get credit for a tackle in the team's preseason opener. But we know that the Rams are looking for more out of defensive backs than tackles.

While no formal database seems to reflect the Rams' preseason stats for safeties, we kept track of the receipts of at least one pass breakup by Kinchens against the Dallas Cowboys. In fact, Kinchens appeared to be involved in a number of incompletions throughout the game.

By the time the third preseason game had arrived, Rams HC Sean McVay had seen enough: As a result, Kinchens was told to sit out the third preseason game.

"He (Kamren Kinchens) has done a great job. It was really one of those deals that we did not feel like it was necessary to expose him to possible injury (by withholding him from practice last week and last Saturday(s) preseason game). He is going to be a guy that is going to be a factor for us. So until he was feeling all the way back to health, that was why we erred on the side of caution. We expect him to get a full workload with the two practices here and then the one on Thursday against the Texans (in Houston)."

HC Sean McVay

For now, Kinchens likely awaits specific down and distance scenarios to see his number called to compete in NFL games this year. But he will make the most of his opportunities in 2024.

His true contribution to this team will only grow over time. As he gains experience, he will become more valuable and skillful. leading to even more experience. The team does not often invest in extensions of safeties. As if they needed more reason, the Rams have a future of more Kamren Kinchens to look forward to.