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Darian Kinnard Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Profile

 

Offensive Tackle, Kentucky Wildcats #70

 

Measurements

6”5/345

40 time: 5.25 reported

 

Darian Kinnard NFL Draft Player Profile 

Darian “D.K” Kinnard has become one of the top offensive lineman in this upcoming NFL draft, ranking number 9 in the country. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio where he played for powerhouse St. Ignatius in Cleveland. Kinnard quickly became a 4-star recruit and a top 20 offensive lineman recruit in the country in 2018. He was a top 100 recruit as well. He was an all-state honoree for the state of Ohio and was selected to play in the U.S Army All American game. Darian committed to the University of Kentucky over other schools including Penn State, Tennessee, and UCLA, and has become an endearing presence in the community and locker room. Through steady improvement every season at Kentucky, against the very tough competition in the SEC, he has become one of the top lineman on many NFL team draft boards.

Darian Kinnard Strengths 

Strength/Size 

Kinnard has the ideal size for an offensive tackle for the NFL, standing at 6”5 and a massive 359 pound frame. Everywhere you look his frame is massive from lower body to upper body, and distinctly very long arms which is a very important aspect to have at his position. He has brute strength when engaging his blocks and is able to use his strength to help spring holes open for his running backs. He also uses his strength to close containment on the outside of the line.

Run Blocking Technique 

Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard

Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard

Easily the biggest strength of Kinnards game is his run blocking ability, which is what has caught the eye of many scouts. Whether it’s a reach block, down block, or 2nd level blocking. He excels at making the key blocks using his excellent technique and mechanics. He fires off the ball very

fluently and drives his opponent almost immediately. Head is always up, and feet are always moving, which is key. Kinnard always keeps a wide base while blocking, and aggressively uses his power. He is an old school run blocking mauler. He seems very comfortable when blocking in space, being able to both sustain, and finish his blocks.

Athletic Ability 

Kinnard has incredible athletic ability for a man his size, as he is able to move fast and get to where he needs to be for every block. You can say it’s very freakish athleticism for an offensive tackle. He has exceptional lateral movement that allowed him to have 47 knockdown blocks in 11 games in 2020. Kinnard is very explosive out of his stance with a big burst. He is very disciplined with his body movement, not often being out of position on his blocks, and using his long arms to his advantage.

Offensive Line IQ 

When watching his film against South Carolina, and Georgia (arguably the best D-line in the country) I was astounded by his IQ while playing the tackle position. There were many stunts run by the D-line of both teams and he picked up the stunts everytime, shutting them down everytime. There were even a few times where he took on two defenders in his gap and still prevailed. This is a huge strength to have when playing in the NFL with the amount of talented rushers and stunts that get called.

His knowledge of the playbook also helps him know where the ball will be going behind him or on the other side of the field. This allows him to block the right guys on each play. For example, he let the defensive end cross the line one play for the fullback to take, as he took on a bigger threat to the play which was a linebacker. That shows great instincts and knowledge of the game.

Darian Kinnard Weaknesses 

Pass Blocking Technique 

Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard

Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard

Unlike his run blocking technique, his pass blocking technique could use some work. He tends to lose his base while blocking on the pass, and can become unbalanced. He can also struggle with a lower base since he has a high pad level. Also, he doesn’t keep his feet moving at times which can be trouble. With coaching and more reps, this weakness is fixable.

Leverage Game

Several times I saw Kinnard get beat by leverage while pass blocking because he was not low enough while blocking. As any coach would say, the lower man wins and those times the defensive end or tackle had a lower base and pushed him back very easily. This is a fixable aspect with coaching and more reps. However, it is noticeable that it is an aspect that needs work.

Speed Rush Blocking 

Kinnard struggled more with speed rushers on the outside rather than rushers who would rely on their power. He lacks speed to keep with speed rushers on the outside. A few times on film they nearly got to the QB. Though he has only allowed 1 sack this year, it is a noticeable weakness that can’t be ignored. This is especially true given the amount of talented NFL speed rushers in the NFL. Those speed rusher also have more experience than the talent he has faced in the SEC.

Darian Kinnard Draft Stock 

When looking at the rosters of every NFL team, the offensive line is always needed. Helping solidify a stronger offensive line for any team is always a priority. I do see Kinnard making the switch to the guard position in the NFL. His power would be a huge asset on the interior. He is a top 10 offensive lineman that I would expect to be drafted mid to late 1st round. He should go no later than the early 2nd round of the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. Top teams that could use his talents are the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, or Miami Dolphins.

Final Thoughts on Darian Kinnard 

I believe that Darian Kinnard will be a Pro-Bowl offensive lineman in the NFL. He has all the tools needed to succeed at the pro level with his body type/size, mauler mentality, football IQ, athletic ability and experience against the tough competition of the SEC. The weaknesses he does possess are fixable and he will only get better as the years go on. Kinnard has done just that while at Kentucky. Any team that drafts him should immediately have a difference maker in the trenches. He will bring a huge run block presence from day one.

Darian Kinnard NFL Comparison 

When comparing him to a current NFL player, I can’t help but notice that Darian Kinnard and Brandon Scherff of the Washington Football Team look very similar in body type/size and play. I think he has the same skill set that can get him Brandons level of play in the NFL.

Darian Kinnard Scouting Report by Keith Libby.