2022 NFL Draft: Kenyon Green, Tyler Linderbaum Top IOL Rankings

3. Darian Kinnard, G, Kentucky

Darian Kinnard lands on the IOL rankings despite playing plenty of snaps at right tackle in his career with Kentucky. Still, he projects a bit better on the inside.

Kinnard has good initial quickness and explosion out of his stance, and flashes good work to the second level. He’s able to cross the face of 3-techniques and turn them outside, and has a good finishing mentality in the run game. He’s shown solid vertical sets at tackle, and has great size, grip strength, and power to not give up much room in pass pro.

Improvement with hand placement and lateral movement skills would help, but a move to guard could help out with the latter.

4. Ikem Ekwonu, G, North Carolina State

Ikem Ekwonu is another with tackle experience that likely kicks inside at the next level. Ekwonu has incredible explosiveness for the position, and generates enough power to reset the line of scrimmage. He’s hyper-aggressive and is looking to bury opponents when he gets the chance. His length gives him an edge in pass protection and has sufficient footwork.

Ekwonu’s aggressiveness can get him into trouble, as he struggles staying patient and square at times. Still, he’s a really good looking guard prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft.

5. Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

Zion Johnson may not be as aggressive as the others above him, but he’s yet another guy in these IOL rankings with guard and tackle experience. Nelson had excellent guard tape in 2019, having heavy hands and great core strength to displace defenders. He was patient but looked for work when necessary, and was a smooth operator in space when asked.

Speed to power and pass sets gave him trouble at tackle, and moving back inside will be great for him in 2021.

6. Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame

Jarrett Patterson is the second center on the list so far in these interior offensive line rankings, and he plays with great control for the Fighting Irish. He’s got great extension and balance at the point of attack, and takes efficient angles in the run game. His awareness gives him the edge in pass protection, and he’s a great fit in a multiple run game, showing reach block ability and power.

Working to the second level consistently will be important for Patterson to work on this fall, as consistently sealing off defenders at that level will improve the run game, along with his stock.