Fansided
Fansided

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Defense Rebuilt In 3-Round Projection

By Christopher Thomas

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 18: Derek Stingley Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Tiger Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 18: Derek Stingley Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Tiger Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
25 of 41
Next
2022 NFL Mock Draft, UK OL Darian Kinnard. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
2022 NFL Mock Draft, UK OL Darian Kinnard. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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

One of the more pleasant surprises of the league this season has been the Cincinnati Bengals. This team appears to be ahead of schedule and ready to compete for a playoff spot in Joe Burrow’s second season in the league. If they keep playing like this they could potentially win the AFC North this season.

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. Last year many people wanted Cincinnati to take Penei Sewell in the first round but they elected to take Ja’Marr Chase instead. 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. He also has the potential to be a really good right tackle last the next level as well.

Home/Mock Drafts