Kentucky Football: Top 5 prospects for 2021 NFL Draft

1. Darian Kinnard, OT

Perhaps the most underrated offensive lineman in the entire SEC is Wildcats offensive tackle, Darian Kinnard.

As a true freshman in 2018, Kinnard played in nine games, starting two of the last three at left tackle. In their blowout road victory over the rival Louisville Cardinals that season, he drew the start and graded out at 84 percent after UK set season highs with 56 points, 601 yards total offense, 29 first downs and 340 rushing yards.

In 2019, Kinnard was named a Pro Football Focus Second-Team All-American after starting all 13 games for a Kentucky rushing attack that ranked fourth best in the nation. He recorded 32 knockdowns on the season and committed just one penalty in 706 snaps.

In UK’s victory over UT Martin, he graded out at 93 percent after blocking for single-game school records in rushing yards (462. The game saw him make 13 blocks at the point of attack, including four plays that were touchdown runs. One week later, he helped UK break that record with a 517-yard rushing game against Louisville.

With experience playing at both tackle positions, having a 6-foot-5, 347-pound frame and being the highest-rated offensive lineman for the SEC’s top rushing attack, it’s hard to imagine Kinnard returns for a senior season if he repeats his 2019 performance.