SF 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk and 3 other positives from loss to Saints

SF 49ers Takeaway No. 3: Javon Kinlaw is making a difference

Javon Kinlaw, the Niners’ top pick from this year’s NFL Draft, was always going to be under the microscope following the team’s decision to trade away their Pro Bowl defensive tackle, DeForest Buckner, to the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason.

Judging solely by the stats, it appeared as if San Francisco made a mistake replacing Buckner with Kinlaw, as the latter wasn’t exactly producing the pass-rushing results pundits were seeking.

Yet the stats can be difficult to translate here, as Kinlaw entered Week 10 with zero sacks. Despite being a regular force of pressure, getting home on opposing quarterbacks was elusive.

Until Kinlaw registered 1.5 sacks in New Orleans.

Those were great, yes. And it should bolster the rookie’s confidence heading into the SF 49ers’ bye week. But where Kinlaw is making a difference is by bullying opponents’ offensive lines, and this was notably apparent in Week 10, as NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger broke down here.

Kinlaw isn’t intended to be a team leader in sacks, much like how former Niners defensive end Justin Smith wasn’t pegged for that role either. Instead, Kinlaw’s job will eventually be like Smith’s — taking on multiple blockers to free up outside pass-rushers.

Once San Francisco gets healthy in that department, 2021 at the soonest, Kinlaw’s impact will be much more noticeable.