It’s no secret that the weakness of the Cincinnati Bengals during the Zac Taylor era has been the offensive line. For the first years, it was the starting lineup. Last year, once they got settled, the offensive line was at the very least decent. Sure, they were not to the Philadelphia Eagles level, but they made vast improvements. In Weeks 1-8, the Bengals allowed 30 sacks. In this final eight games, they allowed 14.
Then, the weakness reared its ugly head. La’el Collins, Jonah Williams, and Alex Cappa were lost to injury towards the end of the season. Naturally, losing three starting offensive linemen would hamper just about any offense, but the drop from starters to depth was massive.
The Bengals have a couple of undrafted offensive linemen from the past two cycles who could help out. However, the one to hitch the wagon to is none other than former Washington Huskie, offensive tackle, Jaxson Kirkland.
Jaxson Kirkland Could Be a Massive Steal for the Bengals
The expected starting lineup for the Bengals across the line from left to right is Orlando Brown, Jr, Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Cappa, and Williams. Collins has started the year on the PUP list, so who can step up in a reserve role?
The likes of Hakeem Adeniji, Trey Hill, D’Ante Smith, Jackson Carman, and Max Scharping are well-known among fans but some have worn out their welcome among fans. While the unit together played okay in pass protection in that AFC Divisional Round win, their matchups with the Ravens (both in Week 18 and the Wild Card round) and the Chiefs were less than stellar.
You can’t plan on injuries but you can plan on what you could do should the situation arise. Raising the floor of what the depth can do does that.
It’s Been a Journey
Initially, Kirkland was the fifth-best recruit in the state of Oregon during the 2017 recruiting cycle. He wasn’t initially offered by Washington despite being a legacy. When the Huskies were spurned by another recruit, the offer came and the commitment was made.
After redshirting in 2017, Kirkland took over as the Huskies starting right guard for all 14 games. In 2019, Kirkland was the starter at right guard again for the first 11 games before an injury took him out. For the 2020 season, Washington only played four games and Kirkland started each at left tackle. He returned in 2021 to play left tackle again and started the team’s first 10 games before falling again to a brutal injury. Finally, Kirkland was voted as captain (a trait the Bengals love) and started the team’s final 10 games after missing the first three recovering from that injury.
Alright Jaxson Kirkland (LT #51)… I can get down with that. pic.twitter.com/SstlHsVejq
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) January 13, 2022
Kirland has what the Bengals are looking for in a depth piece: versatility. If you followed, Kirkland started at right guard for 25 games and left tackle for 24 games. If there is a close race between a pair of players, a player’s versatility puts them over the edge.
Also, it’s not like Kirkland was a scrub. He was named to First-Team All-Pac-12 teams in 2020, 2021, and 2022. He was also considered worthy of a Second-Team All-American placement for USA Today.
Where Kirkland Fits
Anyone who has followed the Bengals knows that each of their depth pieces has the ability to play tackle or kick inside. Simply being versatile will not cut it. He will have to take it a step above in order to separate himself from the familiar faces.
His profile is about as inconclusive as can be. If a scout sticks to hard-set measurables, it would explain Kirkland’s status as a UDFA. He’s a large man, measuring at six-foot-seven, 321 pounds. However, he has shorter arms at 33 1/2″. If there was a concern about Jonah Williams’ arms (33 5/8″), it makes sense that there would be more concerns for Kirkland’s shorter arms despite having three inches and about 20 pounds on Williams.
Realistically, Kirkland has the profile of a guard. He isn’t super athletic, so setting the edge would be difficult. His hand work is a tad inconsistent, so stopping edge rushers would come as a challenge.
However, where he lacks in speed he makes up for in power. On the interior, Kirkland is set up nicely to protect with his strength. He rarely lost against defensive tackles at Washington. Obviously, the NFL is a different animal altogether but Kirkland has that success needed.
After overcoming injury a year ago, it's been awesome to see @Jaxson_Kirkland crush it at @UW_Football this year and then at the 2023 @ShrineBowl.
Really powerful, natural at OG. Here is his rep vs. one of the best DTs during practice.
Strong, can recover/reset, and FINISHES. pic.twitter.com/8WXMly3tyx
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) February 16, 2023
Overall, Kirkland is raw. Offensive Line Coach Frank Pollack will have to work with him to refine his technique. According to Washington’s outlet at UW Dog Pound, Kirkland’s profile fits in nicely with what the Bengals like to do. He will do well in quick passing situations to let him jump set and get on defenders quickly. Additionally, he does better on inside zone than wide zone blocking, so that fits what the Bengals do as well.
Cincinnati is adept at getting the ball out quickly, evident by Burrow constantly being near the top of the list in terms of quickest snap-to-throw times. Kirkland needs to hone in on his technique and skills to make an impact but he has the strength and mental ability to make noise.
Main Image: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
