49ers roster: 5 players impressing early during 2021 OTAs

No. 4: 49ers Defensive Tackle Javon Kinlaw

Again, it’s tough to assess most of the players within the trenches, given the lack of actual contact and tackling.

But one player who seems to be benefiting from OTA workloads is second-year defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

Kinlaw, the first of San Francisco’s two first-round draft picks last year, didn’t have the luxury of participating in OTAs or minicamps last year because of the pandemic. Perhaps a direct result, Kinlaw’s first-year efforts were promising, but his technique was noticeably wild and poorly refined.

So it’s no surprise first-year defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has taken notice of how these OTA practices have helped Kinlaw hone his technique, footwork and hand movement — elements that’ll certainly make a key difference:

“Kinlaw, he’s looking awesome,” Ryans told reporters. “I think it’s really vital for him to really have these OTAs, and it’s been great that all our guys have showed up, and we’ve been able to practice. Kinlaw is able to really hone in and focus on his techniques, which he missed coming in as a rookie. OTAs are very, very important. For him to miss that time last year, I think he’s going to take a huge jump this year.”

The real tests will come at training camp. But considering how important these practices are, it’s good to see Kinlaw making the most of what he needs to do to improve.