The 2023 NFL season has not yet even begun for the Green Bay Packers but there are already people turning an eye toward the 2024 NFL Draft. It is never too early to begin preparations, but things are going to change a lot between now and when teams are going to actually be making picks.
The Packers could be one of four teams to have multiple first-round picks in 2024. They will have to wait until the end of the season to see if they will have a second one from the New York Jets.
As part of the Aaron Rodgers blockbuster, the Jets are going to send a first-round pick to Green Bay in 2024 should he hit a certain playing time threshold. For this early 2024 NFL Mock Draft that was done by Jordan Reid of ESPN, he hit the percentage, which landed the No. 23 overall pick with the Packers.
After landing offensive tackle Joe Alt with the No. 7 pick, the Packers addressed another need with the Jets’ selection. With the 23rd overall pick, Reid has them selecting Miami (FL) safety Kamren Kinchens.
“Technically, this pick is still the Jets’ property, but we’re assuming here that Aaron Rodgers plays at least 65% of the snaps for New York this season — which would hand the selection to Green Bay. The Packers’ secondary has lacked a versatile safety who can patrol the third level of the defense for a while, and Kinchens is a rangy mistake-eraser on the back end. He has outstanding ball skills (six interceptions last year) and is a consistent wrap-up tackler.”
Heading into training camp this year, safety is one of the shakiest positions on the roster. The team is hoping that Darnell Savage Jr. can have a bounce-back campaign in 2023 to get the unit back on track. Rudy Ford is a holdover from last season and in free agency, Jonathan Owens and Travarius Moore were both signed to help replace veteran Adrian Amos.
Owens and Savage are the only two with extensive starting experience and likely have the inside track to a starting job. But, this is a position that the Packers could certainly use an impact player at and Kinchens could fit that bill.
In 23 games thus far with the Hurricanes, Kinchens has compiled 103 total tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss. In addition to the six interceptions recorded last season, he has totaled 10 passes defended in his collegiate career. One fumble recovery and two forced fumbles round out a very solid stat line for Kinchens heading into Year 3 at Miami (FL).