Darian Kinnard might have locked in second-round pick at Senior Bowl

The first phase of the 2022 NFL Draft is complete following the end of Senior Bowl practices down at the University of South Alabama. Kentucky offensive tackle Darian Kinnard is looking to become a high draft pick.

The former four-star recruit started games as a true freshman along the Big Blue Wall on his way to turning into a dominant force in the SEC. Kinnard was twice a first-team All-SEC selection and became a consensus All-American as a senior.

With one of the best careers in program history, the Kentucky product entered the draft with extremely high expectations. As of now, Kinnard looks like a potential safe bet to be a top-50 selection.

On Monday, ESPN’s Jordan Reid released a two-round mock draft following the Senior Bowl. Darian Kinnard went off the board at No. 41 overall to the Seattle Seahawks.

“Talking to a scout at the Senior Bowl, Cody Ford (a second-round pick in 2019) was the comparison I got for Kinnard,” writes Reid. “There are some mixed opinions on whether Kinnard will play tackle or guard at the next level, but he could improve the Seattle O-line at either spot.”

Inside or outside for Darian Kinnard

After the Senior Bowl, the debates on where Darian Kinnard will officially play in the NFL can now begin.

Down in Mobile, Ala., Kinnard played right tackle throughout the week and did have some positive moments in practice. However, there were some real pass protection struggles for the All-American in the game as twitchy edge rushers who can turn the corner with speed seemed to give Kinnard some issues.

However, all of his strengths as a player would appear to be enhanced at guard. Darian Kinnard is a mauler at the point of attack who uses his big hands to create explosives strikes and his wide base to combine to create movement on bigger defenders. Kinnard is a dominant double-team blocker who can excel at pass protection inside due to his ability to fend off bull rushes and other power moves with a strong anchoring ability.

There could be questions on how Kinnard could adapt to a zone scheme at guard, but there are more than enough traits to believe in. Meanwhile, his tape the last three years at Kentucky shows a player who did way more good than in the SEC at right tackle.

Regardless, pro football seems to be in the future for Darian Kinnard. The Tennessee native will enter the NFL Draft Combine in March as a projected second-round pick.