AA Writers grade the KC Chiefs 2022 NFL Draft class
Round 5 – Pick 145 – Darian Kinnard – Offensive Line – Kentucky
Matt Conner: “Dude’s a straight mauler, but KC’s trending toward plodding bookends. Gotta slide him inside as depth.” Grade: C+
Zach Gunter: “The most concerning pick, in my opinion. Kinnard looks fierce on tape, his combine really scares me. Also, I think tackle was a higher position of need than guard. And for that, we should have gone either Braxton Jones or Matt Waletzko, both of whom were still on the board.” Grade: C
Grant Tuttle: “Value, value, value. Kinnard may be a starter at right tackle or just a depth guy that could play any spot on the line. While his role is not known yet, he will be a good rotational and depth piece on day one at the very least. Getting that in the fifth round??? Steal of a pick.” Grade: A
Lyle Graversen: “The value of this pick is off the charts. I get that some are convinced that Kinnard will have to play guard, but his arm length and the fact that the Chiefs were willing to trade up for him tell me they think he can be a right tackle in the NFL. If he could play tackle that well in the SEC and he has the backing of OL guru Duke Manyweather, who am I to argue?” Grade: A
Scott Loring: “Value will depend on where the Chiefs ultimately plug him in. Might be more efficient as a guard, but there’s no pathway toward a starting role there.” Grade: B+
Jacob Milham: Grade: B+