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Niner Noise

2020 NFL Draft: 7-round 49ers mock going all defense

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks
Javon Kinlaw #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

13. player. 850. . Defensive Tackle. Gamecocks . Javon Kinlaw

One of the things about this year’s NFL Draft is it’s limited on defensive line talent. And that which is there is concentrated towards the top of the draft.

It wouldn’t be overly shocking if the 49ers look to find DeForest Buckner’s replacement right out of the gate. In an ideal world, should this be the approach, Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown winds up falling to No. 13, which could happen if there’s a massive trade-up run for quarterbacks early.

But Brown didn’t fall, yet a solid consolation prize did: South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

Kinlaw, 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds, is one of the most physically imposing defenders in this year’s draft, possessing the explosiveness and strength to easily command double-team blockers at the NFL level, likely finding the ability to dominate these two-on-one matchups in the very near future.

Interior defensive linemen taken early in the draft need to have more than just run-stopping abilities, too. With six sacks last season, Kinlaw flashed that ability along with his pocket-wrecking duties.

The Niners defensive line enjoyed so much success last season, thanks to Buckner’s presence. By adding Kinlaw, this still-elite unit won’t skip a beat in 2020 and beyond.