49ers training camp: 5 best one-on-one battles to watch
By Peter Panacy
49ers Camp Battle No. 3: Javon Kinlaw vs. Daniel Brunskill
The trenches always make for good training camp battles, and the Niners figure to have at least a few worth watching.
One of the biggest is going to be seeing how San Francisco’s top choice from this year’s NFL Draft, South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, is faring right away. He’s going to be asked to assume the void left by now-Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and one of the primary goals for him will be to dominate in the interior pass-rush game.
Kinlaw’s new teammate, EDGE Nick Bosa, is already bullish on the 49ers rookie, telling reporters:
"I know [defensive line coach Kris Kocurek] is champing at the bit to get [Kinlaw] in the building and get him doing some get-offs. I’m just so excited to play with the caliber of player like that. It’s going to be interesting to see how he picks everything up, not being in the building. He looks like he’s going to be a great fit. He seems like a great kid."
Frequently lining up opposite Kinlaw will also be a new projected starter, offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill, who’s the favorite to assume the vacancy at right guard in the wake of Mike Person’s departure.
Brunskill posted an excellent 73.0 overall Pro Football Focus grade last year, and the Niners are going to be eager to see whether or not Brunskill’s flashes last year translate over to 2020.