Replacing Landon Young

Landon Young was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Young is a hometown product that anchored the blind side of the Wildcat’s Big Blue Wall for many seasons. First, we’ll take a look at Young’s career at UK and then project how Liam Coen replaces the multi-year starter.

Landon Young is a 6’7, 310-pound offensive tackle from Lexington, Kentucky. He appeared in 49 career games with 26 starts including 24 consecutive at left tackle. Young earned All SEC honors as a senior and was named as the conference’s Offensive Lineman of the Week on three occasions. The New Orleans Saint suffered a knee injury and missed the 2018 season but bounced back to enjoy a productive junior and senior seasons.

Young was a 5-star prospect at Lafayette High School. He committed to the Cats as a sophomore and never wavered on that decision. He went on to be a mainstay on Big Blue Wall. 24 consecutive starts is a number that could have created a tremendous challenge for Mark Stoops. However, an NFL decision and position change lead to the Cats sustaining the left tackle position. All American Darian Kinnard spurned the professional ranks to return for an additional season in Lexington. Kinnard has moved from right to left tackle for the 2021 season.

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Darian Kinnard is a 6’5, 340-pound senior offensive tackle. Named to multiple All American teams for his play in 2020, Kinnard has played in 33 career games with 26 consecutive starts. He graded 87.4 percent and registered 47 knockdown blocks and 142 blocks at the point of attack a year ago. A move to left tackle solidifies the Kentucky offensive line as well as provides the Knoxville, Tennessee native with invaluable experience which will project to the National Football League.

What Does All This Mean?

Replacing an All SEC left tackle with an All American right tackle is the best case scenario for the Wildcats. Kinnard will slide over and protect the quarterback’s blind side in 2021. Kinndard will hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft.