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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Corral becomes the future in Atlanta

By Christopher Thomas

Oct 9, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) during warmups prior to the game against Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) during warmups prior to the game against Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – SEPTEMBER 18: Darian Kinnard #70 of the Kentucky Wildcats against Chattanooga Mocs at Kroger Field on September 18, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. 2022 NFL Mock Draft (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – SEPTEMBER 18: Darian Kinnard #70 of the Kentucky Wildcats against Chattanooga Mocs at Kroger Field on September 18, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. 2022 NFL Mock Draft (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Darian Kinnard, Offensive Lineman, Kentucky

One of the more pleasant surprises of the league this season has been the Cincinnati Bengals. They have started off the season 3-2 and were a missed field goal in overtime away from defeating the Green Bay Packers and getting to 4-1. Their game last week against the Packers has solidified their status as a potential playoff contender.

Cincinnati now has a lethal offense with the addition of Ja’Marr Chase to an offense with Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon. They’ve also have played extremely well on defense. Their free-agent additions on the defensive side of the ball have played well for them this season. It appears this team will go as far as Joe Burrow will take them. So far he has validated why Cincinnati took him first overall.

As great as they’ve played their roster isn’t perfect. The Bengals still could improve their offensive line. Cincinnati could look for upgrades for Riley Reiff and Quinton Spain. Kentucky offensive lineman Darian Kinnard is versatile enough to potentially upgrade either position, and he’s the pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

Kinnard would likely start at guard and potentially move over to right tackle for the Bengals. He could be the piece that finally takes the offensive line off the top of the list of needs. At the next level, he could develop into a Pro Bowl guard.

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