2016 NFL Draft Scouting Reports: Arkansas’ Denver Kirkland 2016 Scouting Report

Arkansas’ Denver Kirkland 2016 Scouting Report.

Kirkland is a long and thick offensive line prospect. He played the final year of his college career at left tackle but will need to move inside to guard in the NFL. This is a power-player who still needs some work to reach his full potential.

Kirkland has the size and strength to move defenders off the line of scrimmage. However, his technique is lacking which limits his effectiveness. He needs to do a better job using his hands and gaining inside placement.

The arm length is present for Kirkland to create space, but he doesn’t fight for that positioning. Kirkland must work on firing off the ball, keeping his pads down and velcroing to the defender. There are actually instances where he keeps his hands at his side and just looks to use his body to box out the defensive line.

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Kirkland’s move to guard is necessary because he lacks the foot speed and quickness to hold up on the edge. He just isn’t fluid enough to handle speed rushers and change direction to inside counter moves. NFL pass rushers would easily be able to expose him in space.

At guard, Kirkland would have the advantage of working in a phone booth where his size would be more of an advantage. The center and tackle would be on either side of him thus giving the pass rusher less options.

Kirkland’s size is what draws the eye of scouts and gives him some potential. However, he needs to improve the areas I mentioned earlier if he hopes to have a successful career.

Current Draft Position: 3^rd Round