2022 Raiders Draft Prospect: OL Darian Kinnard

Originally posted on Full Press Coverage
By Terrance Biggs | Last updated 12/13/21

2022 Raiders Draft Prospect
Name: Darian Kinnard
Position: Offensive Line
School: The University of Kentucky
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 340 pounds

Technique

Although he’s blessed with the mindset and ability to dominate, the SEC standout must improve the handiwork. Opponents with a quicker step can force hand misplacement or missed punch. Yet, at the next level, this minus will disappear. Timing and rhythm, along with the speed adjustment should benefit him.

Run Block

The tape reveals a combative approach to the trait. The prospect gets a longer sustained pop into the chestplate. The defender will attempt to fight to free, but the tenacity aspect and strength can be overpowering. In all honesty, the need to combo block would arrive, if a teammate couldn’t handle a single block. Kinnard relishes the ability to fight in the proverbial phone booth. Observe the drive block, complete with a nasty finish.

Pass Block

While the run tape shows the prospect at his best, you can’t disregard the natural pass blocking. Kinnard delivers a quick punch, in rapid succession, to stand up oncoming rushers. During stunt, twists, and lineman games, the prospect can pick up his man with anticipation and the desire to land the first punch.

Athleticism

Pure explosion. With quad drive and lean, the prospect put all of that 340+ pounds behind his block. Plus, when barreling downhill, Kinnard gets into the chest of the defender, choppy feet. On pulls, Kinnard clears a wide berth, discarding smaller players in space.

Raiders Fit

In Kinnard, the Raiders could benefit from their best interior lineman since the Osemele days. With his power and hyperaggressive mindset, the former Wildcat would excel in just about any scheme. Kinnard loves the brawling aspect of the game. While he did compete at right tackle in 2021, the logical fit remains on the interior: As a guard, the prospect demonstrates the knack for controlling defenders with brutish power, creating craters for the run game. Meanwhile, he thwarts any forward momentum of the pass rush. Regardless of the quarterback or running back, the need for quality linemen is a pressing need. Currently, the Raiders lack quality guard play. Alex Leatherwood, on the inside, looks underwhelming. When he’s not turnstiled by tackles, he will clutch and hold, in plain sight. With Denzelle Good returning and Richie Incognito aging, the Raiders need surety on the interior. The team sits at a team of potentially great change. Why not address a glaring need within the first sixty-four picks?

AFC: Game Recap: Bengals Fall 22-41 to Chargers

This article first appeared on Full Press Coverage and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: