SF 49ers: Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw dominating new-look defensive line

SF 49ers general manager John Lynch nailed the selection of Javon Kinlaw

There was confusion and skepticism among SF 49ers fans when the front office traded DeForest Buckner to the Colts.

Yet that trade led to the selection of Javon Kinlaw and the immense power he possesses.

Yes, Kinlaw has made a few mistakes and doesn’t win on every play, but who does? Kinlaw has proved throughout the first five weeks of his rookie season that he is a fast learner. After entering training camp as a raw prospect, Kinlaw has worked incredibly hard and took aboard the coaching he has received from SF 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.

Kinlaw’s development has been obvious to anyone who has watched the SF 49ers’ first five games of the season.

Going back to Week 4, the Eagles had a 3rd-and-2 on their 43-yard line. They motioned to an empty set with Kinlaw lined up between the center and left guard, which is referred to as a 1-technique.

The SF 49ers rushed four with Kinlaw having a one-on-one against the Eagles left guard.

Kinlaw pulled out his favorite move, the bull rush, and pushed the left guard back with ease and then ripped past him, but Carson Wentz felt Kinlaw’s presence and escaped through a gap.

Kinlaw was inches away from recording what would have been his first sack in the NFL.

Kinlaw has power in abundance and it will be exciting to watch him develop more weapons to his pass-rushing arsenal over the course of his rookie season. After all, a Defensive Rookie of the Year honor is there for Kinlaw to win and keep within the SF 49ers organization for a second successive season after Nick Bosa did it a year ago.

Kinlaw and Armstead working together will be a nightmare for years to come.