It’s still early to be talking about the Baltimore Ravens‘ 2022 NFL Draft, but there’s nothing wrong with a bit of speculation.
According to a recent mock draft, the Ravens could nab a huge — literally and metaphorically — draft prospect to bolster their offensive line in 2022.
Dalton Miller of Pro Football Network proposed that Baltimore could pick up Darian Kinnard, an offensive tackle from Kentucky, in the second or third round.
"“I’m not projecting him as a first-round pick. However, Baltimore absolutely needs a right tackle, and Kinnard’s wide frame and powerful hands are just what they want in their tackles.Even though we’ve seen Baltimore transition to a more pass-heavy game, they still prefer to beat defenses over the head on the ground. With hopefully all of their RB stable back healthy in 2022, Kinnard could help them become unstoppable once again.”"
Per Pro Football Network’s NFL Draft Scouting Report, Kinnard “is a powerful blocker with a potentially dominant amalgamation of physical traits.”
Kinnard opted not to declare for the draft in his junior year and returned to Kentucky for his senior year, a choice that shouldn’t hurt his stock too much.
The Ravens could nab Darian Kinnard in an early round of the 2022 NFL Draft
Compared to his peers, Kinnard has a very unique physical skillset. At 6-foot-5 and 345 pounds, Kinnard boasts an incredible wingspan coupled with surprising mobility and natural athleticism. He’s explosive when he needs to be and can drive defenders out of plays with power alone.
All in all, he seems like a substantial upgrade for a Ravens’ offensive line that has struggled in recent weeks. Baltimore’s loss to the Miami Dolphins put the glaring spotlight on their offensive line, which has been decimated by injuries.
Patrick Mekhari left a gaping hole in the right tackle position, and his replacement, Tyre Phillips, has a streak of inconsistent performances.
Even with Mekari back in the starting lineup, if the 2021 season has taught the Ravens anything, it’s that they need depth at every position.
Picking up a monster offensive tackle like Kinnard could be in Baltimore’s best interest. Next year, the offensive line won’t only protect Lamar Jackson, but also (hopefully) star running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
The Ravens have a few other areas they need to address, but boosting their offensive line may be most pressing. We wouldn’t put it past Eric DeCosta to pull the trigger on Kinnard, or an equally promising lineman prospect.