Kamren Kinchens and James Williams projected in the 2024 NFL Draft
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The Miami Hurricanes have a rich history of players being selected in the NFL Draft.
They certainly have not been a stranger to safeties going high either with the likes of Bennie Blades (1988 NFL Draft’s third overall pick by the Detroit Lions), Ed Reed (24th overall selection in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens), and Sean Taylor (fifth pick of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins) being just a few of the truly elite safeties that have played for the Canes.
Two more safeties from the current roster for the Canes could be hearing their names called this next season, too. Rising juniors Kamren Kinchens and James Williams certainly showcased their skills this past season as mere sophomores.
The duo will likely be the top safety tandem in college football for 2023. Here’s what Pro Football Focus had to say about Kinchens regarding his potential NFL Draft status:
“Kinchens led all safeties in the country this past season with a 90.0 grade and a 90.7 coverage grade. His six interceptions were also tied for the most in the Power Five. He’s a true centerfielder at free safety.”
All Hurricanes Take on Kinchens: The unquestioned leader for the secondary, Kinchens has read opposing passers extremely well during his first two seasons in Coral Gables.
His consensus All-American 2022 season was a testament to that point, as he picked off six passes and often made it look easy. Just as importantly, Kinchens can help organize the secondary.
That will be vital for the 2023 Miami season with numerous new faces in the Orange and Green.
As for Williams, here’s PFF’s commentary on the long and athletic defender:
“Between Kinchens and Williams, Miami has the best safety duo in the country heading into next season.
"Both Williams and Kinchens have recorded 89.9 coverage grades over the last two seasons — tied for first among returning Power Five safeties. At 6-foot-5, Williams has unbelievable length for a safety, which he used to force six incompletions in 2022.”
All Hurricanes Take on Williams: His high-end playmaking ability cannot be questioned. When Williams breaks on the football, just as one example, he’s incredible. Next up for Williams, adding even more big plays.
Williams still needs to be even more consistent. Then again, keep in mind that Williams was only a sophomore last season. One could argue that no player in college football will make a bigger jump – despite already being an impact player – than Miami’s 6-foot-5 safety, in 2023
His talent cannot be denied and the combination of experience and being utilized in newly hired defensive coordinator Lance Guidry’s defense will make Williams one of college football’s best players regardless of position.
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