2022 NFL Draft: Jaxson Kirkland, Evan Neal Lead Preseason OT Rankings
The Pac 12 and Big Ten are featured heavily in these preseason offensive tackle rankings for the 2022 NFL Draft.
The last two draft classes have been pretty spectacular at the top regarding the tackle position. In 2020, there were the four studs in Jedrick Wills, Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Thomas, and Mekhi Becton. This past April, it was Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater. It’s going to be tough to mimic those two classes at the top, but the 2022 NFL Draft has a chance to do so, if a couple guys take the next steps in their development.
It’s also a group with a couple toolsy young players with big steps to take, and a couple players who are moving positions this season. Plus, three players from the Pac 12 and Big Ten both? Let’s get right to it with the preseason tackle rankings for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Previous Rankings:
1. Jaxson Kirkland, Washington
It might be a surprise to not see Evan Neal at the top, but Washington Huskies tackle Jaxson Kirkland deserves the top spot right now.
Kirkland has experience at guard but moved out to tackle for the 2020 season, and did an excellent job. He has elite size at 6’7″ and 310 pounds, and great athleticism to boot. His initial quicks are impressive, and he has great movement skills in space for his size. Kirkland has very good and efficient pass sets and reacts well moving laterally to mirror rushers. He could add a bit to his power profile but there aren’t many true weaknesses in his game.
2. Evan Neal, Alabama
Another player with elite size in these tackle rankings, Evan Neal is the consensus top guy for the 2022 NFL Draft. He falls at number two on this list, but is still oozing with potential.
His movement skills are very good for his size, and he has the explosion and change of direction skills to react well and handle blocks in space. His pass sets are efficient and he maintains a good base. Neal has the power to move people in the run game and rolls through with his lower half and a good leg drive.
Balance is the main weakness for Neal, and it’s one that needs a lot of work. He gets overextended a bunch in pass protection, leading to him ending up on the ground. Building more consistency with his initial punch and reaction skills to maintain leverage will be important as he moves over to left tackle this season.