Early NFL Draft Stock for Kentucky Tackle Darian Kinnard

Darian Kinnard concluded his collegiate career as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in Kentucky football history. What will life look like for Kinnard in the professional ranks? Early indications have the Knoxville native poised for a big payday in April.

Kinnard could have left Lexington after the 2020 season and been a mid-round NFL Draft pick. Even though he did not show scouts another aspect of his game by playing left tackle, he made the most of his opportunity. Kinnard earned consensus All-American honors as the highest-graded offensive tackle in the SEC last fall according to Pro Football Focus.

Kinnard’s sensational senior season has raised the floor for his draft status. Even though we have yet to hit the ground running with offseason evaluations from NFL personnel, most respected draft analysts believe Kinnard is at worst a day two draft pick.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler currently has Kinnard off the board early in the second round, slotted at No. 42 to the Washington Football Team, creating a potential reunion with former teammate Jamin Davis. Long-time analyst Matt Miller shares a similar projection, taken by the New York Jets with the third pick of the second round at No. 35 overall.

Kentucky’s Darian Kinnard is very impressive in a group with projected first rounders. A lot of people typecast him at guard because he’s an angry run blocker but he moves like a tackle.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 20, 2022

This week could help Kinnard climb into the first round. Competing with the best of the best this week in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, he’ll share an offensive line with Luke Fortner on the American Team, coached by the Detroit Lions’ staff. Scouts know he’s a powerful, mauling run-blocker. If he continues to prove he’s more than that in pass protection, this week could be a profitable one for the outstanding former UK offensive tackle.

2022 Kentucky NFL Draft Stock

With more than a handful of former Cats playing in the Senior Bowl and the upcoming Shrine Bowl, there’s plenty of opportunities for players to rise up draft boards. Miller provides a nice baseline entering evaluation season for Kentucky’s potential pros.

• Kinnard, Second Round, No. 35 overall, New York Jets
• Wan’Dale Robinson, Third Round, No. 71 overall, Chicago Bears
• Josh Paschal, Fourth Round, No. 137 overall, Baltimore Ravens
• Marquan McCall, Fifth Round, No. 152, Philadelphia Eagles
• Yusuf Corker, Sixth Round, No. 192, Minnesota Vikings