49ers 2020 NFL Draft: 3 things we learned from Round 1

No. 2: 49ers still believe in winning on defense in the trenches

The 49ers trotted out one of the best defensive lines in recent history during the 2019 season, and its success was one of the major reasons for their success last year.

So while it might be a little crazy that the Niners spent yet another first-round pick on a defensive lineman, there’s little doubt the lesson that the selection of Javon Kinlaw reiterates: the Niners believe their defensive dominance started by winning in the trenches.

Kinlaw may never be Buckner, but the point is an easy one. Having that level of talent along the defensive line almost won the 49ers a Super Bowl in 2019, so there’s no reason to think that continuing to invest a great amount of draft capital at the position won’t grant further success in 2020 and beyond.

And in 2020, the Niners look to have another strong group of defensive lineman to get after opposing quarterbacks and running backs.

Returning will be last year’s No. 2 overall pick EDGE rusher Nick Bosa and fellow EDGE rusher Dee Ford, newly re-signed defensive lineman Arik Armstead, not to mention depth players like defensive tackle D.J. Jones, and defensive end Ronald Blair.

Adding Kinlaw to that group should continue to allow the 49ers to have one of the best defensive units in the league, something that should help them to be NFC — and Super Bowl — contenders for 2020.