Kamren Kinchens Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

School: Miami

Class: Junior

Position: SAF

HT: 6’0

WT: 205 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #19

Background: Kamren Kinchens was originally a 3-star safety out of Miami, Florida. Kinchens went to Northwestern High School in Miami and became one of the better players in the region. In high school, Kinchens helped Miami Northwestern win a Florida Class 5A State Championship. He was both a ball-hawking safety as well as a dynamic punt returner. In his junior year alone, Kinchens tallied 9 interceptions and 74 tackles. Being a kid from Miami, it was easy to assume that he would be a Hurricane, but he turned down offers from Alabama, LSU, Auburn, and others in order to do so.

College: As a 3-star safety, Kinchens was a pleasant surprise for the Hurricanes as a true freshman in 2021. He appeared in all 12 games for the Hurricanes and started the final 5. He had 25 solo stops to go along with 4 PBUs. 2022 was really a coming out party for Kinchens. He proved why he was given such a big role the year prior. As a sophomore, he made All-American Second Team and All-ACC First Team. He led the team with 6 interceptions with 59 tackles on the season.

Strengths: Kamren Kinchens is a big and physical safety who can play in the box in star or sub packages. He never shies away from imposing his physicality onto the ball carrier. Kinchens is a reliable tackler who properly wraps up his man on a consistent basis. When in pursuit, Kinchens takes efficient routes to the football. He does well to read the quarterback’s eyes and know where that football is going. Kinchens plays with excellent anticipation and gets to the intended receiver at the same time as the football. He is strong for a safety and is a better tackler than most at the position. When playing within the box, he is a good blitzer and can meet the ball carrier in the backfield. He has the ability to shed blocks like an edge rusher. Kinchens is also solid as a run defender. His ability to get downfield in a hurry and make a big play is seen on nearly every carry. He launches himself towards the line of scrimmage once the run play is diagnosed.

Weaknesses: While Kinchens excels in so many areas, some weaknesses to his game will have some teams concerned. He lacks a lot in coverage. While he can play deep safety, he struggles to maintain leverage on go routes. He has a tendency to get stacked in coverage and gets beaten outside the numbers. Kinchens does not have ball skills on par with other defensive backs and can be beat in a variety of ways by the more crafty wide receivers.

Conclusion: If Kinchens can work on his ball skills and ability to be a lockdown defender in the deep third of the field, he will be an all around “joker” for any defense.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: STAR

Best Team Fits: DAL, CLE, PHI

Player Comparison: Derwin James

Player Grade: 88.8