Frisco, TX – April 16, 2025
With Dan Quinn gone and Mike Zimmer now steering the Cowboys’ defense, Dallas is looking to return to its physical, ball-hawking identity — and sources say Zimmer is eyeing Kamren Kinchens out of Miami as a potential draft target to pair with Donovan Wilson.
The move could form one of the most dangerous safety duos in the NFC, especially with Malik Hooker aging and showing signs of decline late in the 2024 season.
“Zimmer loves versatility and downhill hitters,” a source close to the war room said.
“Kinchens checks every box.”
🔎 Who is Kamren Kinchens?
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🧠 Football IQ off the charts
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🏃 4.45 40-yard speed
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🧱 195 pounds of compact power
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🧤 9 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles in his last two seasons
The Miami standout is known for his anticipation, tackling discipline, and field command. NFL scouts compare him to Harrison Smith — a player Zimmer coached into Pro Bowl form in Minnesota.
🔁 The Plan: Replace Hooker, Elevate the Back End
While Donovan Wilson posted a solid 2024 (85 tackles, 2 INTs), Zimmer wants a true roaming free safety who can bait quarterbacks, blanket slot receivers, and erase deep threats — something Hooker no longer does consistently.
If Kinchens is available at pick #24, or if the Cowboys trade up, this could be the most under-the-radar move of the draft.
🧠 Zimmer’s Vision
Known for building elite secondaries with disguised coverages, Zimmer is believed to be installing a system heavy on Cover-2 and quarter-shells, requiring both safeties to read/react at a high level.
“He wants a duo that hits like Kam Chancellor and reads like Ed Reed,” an NFC defensive coach said.
“Kinchens and Wilson could become that.”
🗣️ Cowboys Nation Buzzing
“We’ve got Parsons. We’ve got Diggs. We get Kinchens? That’s a no-fly zone.”
“Zimmer ain’t playing around. This defense is about to get nasty.”
Dallas doesn’t need flashy headlines this draft — they need lockdown talent. Kinchens is that guy.
