Don’t forget about Kamren Kinchens

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 18: Kamren Kinchens #26 of the Los Angeles Rams stands for the national anthem prior to the NFC Divisional playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Kamren Kinchens is getting lost in the shuffle amid the Los Angeles Rams' defensive additions this offseason. While the secondary should be significantly better with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in the fold, Kinchens is one of football's best young safeties.

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grading and metrics, Kinchens finished as the eighth-highest graded player at his position in 2025. In terms of coverage grade alone, Kinchens rises to fifth behind Antonio Johnson, Kyle Hamilton, Bryan Cook, and Jalen Pitre.

Ranking immediately after Kinchens in defensive grade is his running mate at safety, Kamren Curl. Curl was PFFs second-highest graded run defender the position.

While the Rams enjoy having two top-ten safeties, Kinchens' coverage skills are generally considered higher value. He's an ascending player that improved from his rookie season and could still have some remaining room for growth.

Kamren Kinchens 2 INT vs SEA on Sunday.

Ball hawk.pic.twitter.com/sXMkJ3T9oBhttps://t.co/5jPpiQXN1r

- Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) November 18, 2025

Holding down the defensive backfield

There simply is not much to brag about in the coverage department for the Rams the last two seasons, which is why Ahkello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant, Darious Williams, and others all left. In comes McDuffie and Watson who should dramatically raise the bar at corner in Los Angeles.

But even while his outside corners left a lot to be desired, Kinchens held down the fort on the backend of the defense for LA.

As a rookie in 2024, Kinchens was stingy in coverage. He allowed 25 catches for 291 yards, four touchdowns, four interceptions, and two pass breakups on 31 targets.

Highest graded SAFs from the 2024 draft..

Kamren Kinchens, Rams (SAF9-Tier 4/Average NFL starter)
Tykee Smith, Buccaneers (SAF3-Tier 4/Average NFL starter)
Cole Bishop, Bills (SAF2-Tier 3/Above average NFL starter) pic.twitter.com/Nk7CksrW9Q

- Adam Carter (@impactfbdata) December 16, 2025

In 2025 out of 39 targets, he allowed 34 receptions for just 280 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions, and forced five breakups. Kinchens has been flagged in coverage just three times over his career despite already accumulating nearly 1,600 snaps.

While the coverage metrics don't necessarily scream a step forward, Kinchens' PFF coverage grade from from 73.7 to 81.9, which means he likely played better on average whether or not he was targeted. PFF will still ding defenders for coverage busts whether or not the ball finds them.

Kinchens may not be drawing the same attention as the Rams' new cornerback additions, but his play suggests he deserves to be part of that conversation. With top-tier coverage grades, steady production, and room to keep improving, he has quietly become one of the most important pieces in Los Angeles' secondary. If the Rams' pass defense takes a real step forward in 2026, Kinchens likely won't just be along for the ride - he'll be a driving reason why.