OL prospect Darian Kinnard can transform Ravens franchise

It’s been a long and painful downward spiral for the Baltimore Ravens, who started 2021 at the top of the AFC North and now find themselves outside of the playoff picture.

Bad luck has been a factor, but so has insufficient depth at certain position groups.

If the Ravens want to become a playoff contender next season, they need to rebuild their offensive line, and they can start by drafting a tackle of the future, according to one NFL expert.

Michelle Bruton of Bleacher Report revealed which players in the 2022 NFL Draft can turn franchises around next year, with special attention to teams with .500 records or below who will be near the top of the draft order.

For the Ravens, Kinnard was touted to be a game-changing pick:

"“Baltimore has to stop putting itself in situations where a win is wrested from its grasp because of a badly timed sack. Kentucky’s Darian Kinnard could be part of the solution…And it isn’t just in keeping the quarterback upright that Kinnard can add value. Upgrading the offensive line in time for J.K. Dobbins’ return from a season-ending ACL tear will change the entire look of this offense in 2022.”"

Prior to the 2021 season, PFF ranked Baltimore’s offensive line 12th in the league. 17 weeks later, the Ravens have played some of their worst football due to a shaky offensive line constantly dealing with injuries.

The Ravens could draft Darian Kinnard with their first-round pick

Despite playing in just 12 games, Lamar Jackson has been sacked 38 times, the fourth-most in the NFL. Jackson’s quarterback play is also at fault, but Baltimore needs to increase confidence in the team’s ability to protect Jackson, and Darian Kinnard presents a potential long-term solution.

The 6-foot-5 345-pound tackle out of Kentucky could be an impact player for Baltimore right out of the gate.

In Pro Football Network’s scouting report, Kinnard was described as a powerful blocker “with the reach to swallow up opposing defenders in pass protection” who also moves “exceptionally well in open space.”

Brute strength is one of Kinnard’s many appeals, as the offensive lineman has “some definite mauler moments where he puts players in the dirt.”

Kinnard’s massive size yet surprising mobility makes him a prime draft target, and he’ll likely be attainable with the Ravens’ No. 16 pick in the draft.

Kinnard started his college career on the left side but has since moved to right tackle, earning All-SEC recognition in 2020. Baltimore has already seen the effects of an uber-versatile player like Patrick Mekari, and Kinnard’s ability to play on either side should be viewed as a plus.

An offensive lineman prospect with immediate starting potential like Kinnard would afford the Ravens the chance to revamp both their passing and run game in 2022 and many years after.