I think that Jaxson Kirkland will end up being one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Not for the reasons that we normally use the word. He’s not a crazy personality that you either love or hate. I think that some teams are really going to like him and some teams are really not. Kirkland is a pass blocking offensive tackle who has struggled tremendously as a run blocker most of his career. For pass friendly teams, Kirkland is a fit and could be an early-to-mid round pick. For run-heavy teams, he’s a liability.
HT: 6070
WT: 310
Year: Super Redshirt Junior
High School: Jesuit (Portland, OR)
Rating: 3-star (0.8640)
Jaxson Kirkland scouting notes
Pros:
- Displays excellent lateral quickness after setting to stay committed to the assignment.
- Exhibits some good upper body strength, delivers good punches. Holds defenders in place with his strength in the block. Excellent lock.
- Has a good anchor, sets very well in pass protection.
- Good hand placement. Looks more refined as a pass protector. Excellent punch ability and placement with his hands to keep the defender off balance.
- Fairly strong in pass protection. Has a good anchor that allows him to set well.
- Consistent in keeping his assignment out of the backfield.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have great speed, but it’s adequate. May struggle with speed rushes a bit.
- Not particularly built with his lower body, really struggles to drive defenders off the ball.
- Not the greatest run blocker. Doesn’t have the drive that you want to see in his lower body. Has the ability to work into the second level consistently and create big opportunities. Struggles to get ahold of the block from the snap.
- Will struggle at times to make the block when going downfield. Prefers to set rather than attack.
