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5 bold predictions for 49ers 2020 NFL Draft class

By Peter Panacy

Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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Javon Kinlaw #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

No. 1: 49ers Javon Kinlaw Wins Defensive Rookie of the Year

Yes, San Francisco selected yet another first-round defensive lineman, marking the fifth time in six years Kyle Shanahan and Co. have done so.

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Javon Kinlaw’s selection will help fill the void left by DeForest Buckner, and one can only hope the rookie’s efforts are on par with what Buckner provided since 2016. And while it’s always premature to assume a first-year player can have a Pro Bowl-like impact right away, Kinlaw is arguably in the best possible situation to do so when compared to his rookie defensive counterparts.

The 49ers defensive line is still stacked, boasting four other first-round picks, including last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year recipient, EDGE Nick Bosa. Bosa, EDGE Dee Ford and defensive tackle Arik Armstead comprise a lethal defensive line, which will take a lot of the pressure off Kinlaw out of the gate.

And it wouldn’t be shocking to see him take full advantage of this.

As far as another Defensive Rookie of the Year award for San Francisco, it’s not just a bold Niner Noise prediction. Dre Greenlaw feels Kinlaw is on that trajectory, saying, “I think Kinlaw can do the same thing and very well may be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. I think he has that potential.”

CBS Sports also listed Kinlaw with the fifth-best odds to win the award, too.

Next. 3 injured players who could be 49ers X-factors in 2020. dark

Well, maybe it’s not so bold a prediction after all.