SF 49ers: Odds of each rookie making 53-man roster in 2020

Javon Kinlaw #99 of the San Francisco 49ers during training camp (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Javon Kinlaw #99 of the San Francisco 49ers during training camp (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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Javon Kinlaw, 49ers training camp
Javon Kinlaw, San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

SF 49ers Defensive Tackle Javon Kinlaw: 1-to-1

Yes, there are reports saying Javon Kinlaw isn’t quite wowing as much in training camp as did his first-round predecessor from the year before, EDGE Nick Bosa. According to those reports, Kinlaw is struggling to adapt his brute-force pass-rushing prowess into more finesse-type moves. The prior approach worked at the college level, but Kinlaw hasn’t quite honed that against NFL-level blockers.

All this means is Kinlaw might not be quite the impact player for San Francisco right out of the gate, rather taking the time to develop, which isn’t unusual for Round 1 players.

And it’ll probably be common for many a first-year player who missed those vital spring workouts due to the global pandemic.

Fortunately, Kinlaw has already proven his worth as a valuable run-stopper, and his imposing physical form is worthy enough to get excited about his true potential once it’s reached. He’ll likely have success against weaker interior blockers right away, while his talents against upper-echelon competition will come in time.

There’s no way, barring injury, the SF 49ers fail to let Kinlaw make the opening-day roster. He might not start or see every down right away, but he’ll be there for sure.