Bengals Film Breakdown: Will Washington O-Lineman Jaxson Kirkland Push For Spot on Final 53-Man Roster?

Cincinnati signed Kirkland as an undrafted free agent.

The Cincinnati Bengals signed undrafted free agent Jaxson Kirkland last week. They needed more depth in the offensive Line room and there's a chance he can be part of the solution. 

Let's take a look at the Washington product on tape and see what the Bengals gained with this addition: 

Quick highlight reel of Jaxson Kirkland (LG 51 vs Oregon and UCLA, LT 51 vs 2021 Michigan [had some solid reps vs Hutchinson]) and some short notes below. pic.twitter.com/y2mJif0FO3

— Parker Blake (@ParkerBlake60) May 1, 2023

Kirkland is a versatile lineman out of Washington. He was a two-time All Conference left tackle and a Second Team All-American left guard in his final year with the Huskies. He's 6-6, 330 pounds and has 33.5-inch arms, which means he has the size to play guard or tackle in the NFL. 

His versatility was attractive to the Bengals, though most believe guard will be his best position. He didn't have the best testing scores, but his film shows that he has some upside even though he's an older prospect (turns 25 on July 30).

Kirkland had an impressive season at left tackle for the Huskies in 2021. His game against Michigan really showcases both his high and low end potential at tackle. He had reps against not only future second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson, but also 2023 first round pick Mazi Smith. He struggled some when faced with elite speed, but also used his patience in protection to lock up Hutchinson. He got bulldozed by Smith on a few plays, but he's also put more than his fair share of defenders into the ground. 

Kirkland appears more athletic on film, in space, than his Relative Athletic Score might suggest. He has a tenacious motor in the run game and fights for his blocks, even when he loses off the ball.

In protection, he struggles with vision and tends to chase edge players around the pocket when he's uncovered. 

His ability to stack defenders and handle stunts shows his true ceiling. He has the potential to develop into a solid pass protector for a Bengals offense that relies on the passing game. Sticking with an RPO system will also help him develop as a player as he can find himself in less advantageous situations quite often when asked to sit back and wait for defenders opposed to being on the attack.

Overall, the Bengals have found a solid depth piece that should make the team this season. I don't see Kirkland as a top eight guy in the room right now, but he definitely brings some good value to the squad. 

It'll be exciting to watch him develop as a pass protector and to see how his aggressiveness as a run blocker translates to the NFL.

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