Jaxson Kirkland’s life is still in limbo as he awaits word from the NCAA on a medical red shirt. At Washington’s Spring Preview he stood on the White sideline without the aid of a walking boot, in his white number 51 jersey. Once thought to be a high draft choice as one of the top tackles for the 2022 NFL Draft, the Vancouver, Washington native played much of the 2021 football season around 70-percent healthy.
Kirkland once was a All-American candidate and with his draft status as first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, as the season went on his stock dropped to a potential day two pick. Clearly not the season he had been hoping for, as he was projected to be drafted somewhere between the second and fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
After the season Kirkland declared for the draft. In fact, Jaxson was ready to suit up for the East West Shrine Bowl a week before withdrew from the draft to repair his left ankle.
Considering his options he opted out of the draft. Despite not playing at full-health in 2021, Pro Football Focus rated him as a top 100 college prospect, overall.
“Kirkland’s decision to return to college is somewhat risky if he isn’t granted an extra year of eligibility,” RealDawg.com’s Kyle Waltos said. “However, it could pay off if he returns to the college scene and elevates his draft stock back to first round.”
If Kirkland isn’t granted an extra year his path to the NFL could be similar to former Husky Joe Tryon’s. The former Washington Rush End chose to opt out of his senior campaign, working out with private trainers. Tryon’s high-risk, high-reward maneuver was parlayed into a first round pick to Tampa Bay.
Tryon signed a 4-year, $11,171,237 contract with the Buccaneers, including a $5,484,536 signing bonus, $8,327,887 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,792,809.
There is no timetable for the NCAA’s announcement of Kirkland’s status.
