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9 middle-round prospects the NY Giants should monitor prior to the 2023 NFL Draft

By Desmond Novack

Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith (DB29) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith (DB29) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Offensive lineman Jaxson Kirkland of Washington speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Offensive lineman Jaxson Kirkland of Washington speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

8. Washington OL Jaxson Kirkland

If the Giants don’t opt to take an offensive lineman in the first three rounds of the draft, Jaxson Kirkland could be a great player to take in the fourth or fifth round. Not only is he an incredibly versatile player, but he has the tools to potentially be a Day 1 starter.

Kirkland has large amounts of experience at both guard positions, and left tackle as well. While he may translate currently as a guard due to a lack of length, he certainly can be plugged in at tackle if a team needs him there. What makes Kirkland such a tantalizing prospect is his combination of massive size, strength, and technique.

He certainly has areas of his game that are in need of work, such as his hand placement. However, Kirkland has a pretty high ceiling and would absolutely be worth taking in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. In 491 pass-blocking snaps, Kirkland allowed just seven QB hurries and two QB hits, showcasing some rather impressive footwork for his 6-7, 340-pound frame.

In addition to this, Kirkland has shown flashes of potential in the run game. It may take time for Kirkland to develop as a run blocker, but it seems as if he could be NFL ready as a pass protector right out of the gate, which is something the Giants need for their interior offensive line.

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