2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets land superstar EDGE, Eagles triple-dip on defense

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 25, 2021

EUGENE, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 04: Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks rushes the passer during the first quarter of the game Fresno State Bulldogs at Autzen Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won 31-24. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 04: Jaxson Kirkland #51 of the Washington Huskies stands on the field during the second half of the game against the Montana Grizzlies at Husky Stadium on September 4, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The Grizzlies won 13-7. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

9. player. Scouting Report. Jaxson Kirkland. OT. Washington. 56. Pick Analysis

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington

Had Jaxson Kirkland entered the 2021 NFL Draft, he likely would have been a day two pick, but he elected not to go that route. As pointed out by Dan Raley of Husker Maven, Kirkland decided it was best to spend another offseason training and preparing to become a first round pick

"“The 6-foot-7, 317-pound junior offensive tackle from Vancouver, Washington, passed up the opportunity to be drafted likely in the second-day rounds by the NFL last April. Kirkland wanted to ensure that he was selected as high as possible and that he shared in a final glorious run by the Huskies. He spent spring break in the sunshine in Arizona — working out with a medicine ball and doing agility drills outdoors.” — Raley, Husky Maven"

Kirkland has already graduated so he can dedicate even more time to his craft and it shows. That’s why he moves into the top-10 and finds a home with the Cincinnati Bengals.
During this past draft, the Bengals elected to skip on Penei Sewell in favor of LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase which was highly criticized. However, landing Kirkland will silence a lot of that especially if they get him and Chase continues to excel as he has in the first couple of weeks of his young career.

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