Darian Kinnard Ranks as a Top 50 2022 NFL Draft Prospect

As kickoff for the 2021 college football season approaches, Kentucky boasts one of the Top 50 2022 NFL Draft prospects, offensive tackle Darian Kinnard.

The Wildcats’ right tackle has garnered almost too many preseason All-American honors to count, but this tip of the cap means more. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler is one of the most respected NFL Draft analysts in the business. Friday morning Brugler unveiled his first rankings of the 2022 NFL Draft prospects. Kinnard comes in at No. 34 as a fringe first round pick.

Viewed as a right tackle prospect by some scouts and a guard by others, Kinnard has the talent to be considered in the first round. In the run game, he flashes power in his hips and upper body to torque defenders from his path, using his grip strength to lock out and move defenders with his hands. His wide, powerful base also shows in pass protection, not allowing rushers to go through him.

The Athletic

Kinnard experimented with a move to left tackle in the spring to raise his draft stock. After the Wildcats added left tackle Dare Rosenthal from LSU, Kinnard moved back to his original position.

A Knoxville native that played high school football in Cleveland, Kinnard could have entered the 2020 NFL Draft. Instead of being selected between the third and fifth rounds, he chose to return to Kentucky for one more season. Before the season kicks off, Kinnard is in position to cash in as a first or second round selection.

Kinnard will begin fourth season on the Big Blue Wall Sept. 4 at Kroger Field against Louisiana-Monroe.