The Baltimore Ravens will have a lot of needs to address during the 2022 offseason. The team has plenty of talent on their roster already, but with so many talented players slated to hit free agency they could have a few areas that they need to retool. One of those areas is on the offensive line.
Baltimore’s offensive line unit in 2021 hasn’t been what many expected it to be. They have struggled with injuries and subpar play, especially during Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers where they gave up seven sacks. In his latest 2022 NFL mock draft, Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports gave the Ravens some offensive line help in the University of Washington’s Jaxon Kirkland at pick No. 27. When explaining his decision, Wilson talked about how Kirkland has been a big part of the Washington offensive line.
“Alejandro Villanueva has struggled this season and the Ravens will likely look for an upgrade. Kirkland has been the cornerstone of the Huskies’ offensive line and has a chance to be a first-round talent.”
Kirkland stands around 6-foot-6 and weighs around 310 pounds. He has very good overall technique. He has played primarily left tackle for the Huskers, but has also seen time at guard. If Baltimore believes that he can eventually make the transition to right tackle with Ronnie Stanley operating the left side, then his potential could be worth taking a swing on.
The versatile lineman can move defenders at the second level, has good reactive athleticism, blocks with force in the run game and is sturdy in his pass sets when asked to protect the quarterback. He doesn’t have many weaknesses to his game, and is on his way to being a very good player at the NFL level if put in the right situation.