LA Rams 2023 Mock Draft featuring 3 blue chip OL prospects

Round 7:  Pick 222 (traded DET 7th to GB)

The LA Rams cannot go wrong by selecting another offensive lineman, OT Jaxson Kirkland from the University of Washington, in the seventh round. Before his decision to return to Washington last season, his draft stock was rising to a Day 2 draft day projection. Now, with another season of collegiate competition under his belt, a strong and talented offensive tackle draft class has squelched the buzz of his NFL potential.

But don’t let that fool you. Jaxson Kirkland is an offensive lineman through and through. He not only is a no-nonsense competitor who simply shows up and wants to get right to work, but he also has no interest in personal accolades or honors. But they do come, and frequently, because Kirkland is good.

Kirkland is a solid legacy offensive tackle, a young man who has trained all his life to block. That may not be the dramatic flair or high-profile type of player that so many gravitate towards, but he is the type of guy who shows up and delivers with each snap.

Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing a solid 310-pounds, Kirkland is going to give the Rams’ offensive line a powerful blocker who arrives with a pretty polished skillset. In 697 offensive snaps, he allowed only three quarterback sacks in his senior season. Best of all, he exhibits the type of leadership traits and maturity that the Rams covet in their players. A third offensive lineman hearing his name called by the LA Rams in a single draft? Yes, please!