San Francisco 49ers: 4 players who bounce back strong in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Defensive Tackle Javon Kinlaw
In many ways, then-rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw faced unfair expectations after the 49ers traded away Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner earlier that offseason and asked Kinlaw to fill a massive void.
The Niners’ first-round pick flashed some promising moments, including 1.5 sacks and a late-season pick-six touchdown. But overall, Kinlaw wasn’t the pocket-wrecking force many thought he’d be right out of the gate.
Yet it didn’t help San Francisco suffered so many injuries along its offensive line, forcing Kinlaw to rely on B-level teammates like EDGEs Kerry Hyder and Jordan Willis instead of the prolific pass-rushing tandem of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford.
Read More: 3 areas where Javon Kinlaw must improve in 2021
Ford (back) isn’t expected to return anytime soon. But Bosa, who suffered an ACL tear early in 2020, makes a world of difference.
Instead of opposing blockers focusing the bulk of their efforts on Kinlaw, which was so often the case last year, those offensive linemen will instead worry more about Bosa and, to a lesser extent, EDGE Samson Ebukam.
This will hopefully open up more one-on-one matchups for Kinlaw, who’ll face much more favorable situations than he did a year ago.