Kentucky OL Darian Kinnard
6-foot-5
328 pounds
Yahoo Sports’ 2022 NFL draft grade
5.68 — possible third- or fourth-rounder; contributor potential
TL;DR scouting report
Hulking college tackle who might be best-served with a move inside to guard to maximize his power and mask his issues with quickness
The skinny
A 3-star Rivals recruit in the Class of 2018, Kinnard chose the Wildcats over Penn State, Tennessee and UCLA, playing in nine games as a freshman, starting two of the last three at left tackle. He moved to right tackle in 2019, starting all 13 games. Kinnard then started all 11 games in 2020 and 13 more in 2021, helping UK’s line be recognized as Joe Moore Award (best offensive line in college football) semifinalists. He played at the 2022 Senior Bowl.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – JANUARY 2: Tackle Darian Kinnard #70 of the University of Kentucky Wildcats during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the 76th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2021 in Jacksonvile, Florida. The Wildcats defeated the Wolfpack 23 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Upside
Massive, long frame — over 6-foot-5 with 35-inch arms, 83-inch wingspan
Weight looked nicely distributed at Senior Bowl
Enormous hands (11 1/4 inches) to latch and lock up opponents
Surprising quickness in short areas displayed in 10-yard split of 1.78 seconds
Lower-body flexibility better than you might imagine
Raw, hulking power to stonewall rushers and pave clear paths
Can torque defenders violently and kick them out of the club
Drops an anchor and is nearly rooted to the spot
Truly nasty demeanor — seeks to bury his man whenever possible
Finisher plays through the echo of the whistle
Warrior mentality — UK coaches praise his mental and physical toughness
Iron man — 39 straight starts and seldom missed a snap
Made tangible improvement each college season, especially in pass protection
Starting experience at both tackle spots
Looked the part at guard in Senior Bowl practice…
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