Washington Huskies offensive lineman Jaxson Kirkland has withdrawn from the 2022 NFL Draft due to an ankle injury that will require surgery. The ankle injury is worse than initially thought but he is expected to be fine after the surgery. Kirkland plans to petition the NCAA in the hopes he can return to college football and play one more year. Then he will enter the 2023 NFL Draft if all goes well. This request may take some time because, unlike basketball, a player can’t typically withdraw from the draft and return to college.
One of the draft’s projected top OT prospects, @jaxson_kirkland, has opted out of the 2022 Draft after learning an ankle injury he suffered at Washington was more severe than thought, per source. He will undergo surgery Tuesday with Dr. Robert Anderson and expects a full recovery
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 1, 2022
Jaxson Kirkland was a potential first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but injuries can set almost anyone back. Hopefully, the NCAA give him a fair shot and consider his return to college football. With a good year where his ankle holds up, he should still have a good draft position in the 2023 NFL Draft. Injuries around draft time are unfortunate, but adversity can help generate strength.
Washington OT Jaxson Kirkland has opted out of the 2022 NFL Draft after learning his ankle injury was more severe than thought, per @AdamSchefter.
He will undergo surgery and expects a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/3RCEcpI3rD
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 1, 2022
Kirkland was a top-ten lineman heading into the 2022 NFL Draft and was likely hoping to start in the NFL this upcoming season. Washington will surely welcome his talent back for another year if he is allowed to return. We here at Def Pen Sports wish him the best in his recovery.
