Fifth-Round Pick
Jaxson Kirkland – OL (Washington)
This is the last draft pick that the Vikings definitely own in the 2023 draft, but they are projected to have two compensatory selections in the sixth round as well.
Ed Ingram has settled in a little bit after a rough start at right guard this season, but that does not mean he is unworthy of competition. The offensive line will forever be an important asset for every team in the NFL, so throwing darts and hoping one sticks at this stage of the draft will get zero criticism on my end.
Jaxson Kirkland was once one of the top prospects in college football, but injuries continued to set him back. Now, with his NFL future much bleaker than it once appeared, Kirkland might make the move to guard to find a more comfortable home at the next level.
His positional versatility is something that could be valuable for the Vikings, who have so many question marks heading into next season. If Ed Ingram cannot prove himself in the summer, Kirkland could become a threat to start at right guard.
If Brian O’Neill is held out due to his partially torn Achilles, there is a chance the Vikings would look at a player like Kirland to fill in at right tackle until O’Neill returns.