49ers roster: 3 players guaranteed to be better in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Defensive Tackle Javon Kinlaw
Sticking with the Niners’ D-line theme here, Javon Kinlaw is another player who should be expected to take a massive leap in year two of his pro career.
Understandably, the No. 14 overall pick from the 2020 draft had his work cut out for him, first trying to live up to expectations generated in the wake of the DeForest Buckner trade and then being forced to adapt to a pandemic-related life without rookie minicamps and OTAs.
Nothing can replace those on-field reps.
Related Story: 3 areas where Javon Kinlaw must improve in 2021
As such, Kinlaw looked every part the physically imposing interior defender with plenty of strength to burn, yet his technique and unrefined potential clearly needed some polish. So it should be understood why he managed just 1.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss during his rookie season.
Just like Arik Armstead, though, opposing teams recognized Kinlaw as one of San Francisco’s top D-line threats and often lined up multiple blockers to ensure he wouldn’t collapse the pocket. With the 49ers lacking speed elsewhere along the D-line, this strategy didn’t incur too many other risks elsewhere aside from giving someone like former Niners EDGE Kerry Hyder a career-high 8.5 sacks.
Nick Bosa returning changes all that, while other unheralded defenders like nose tackle D.J. Jones being fully healthy also present a crutch for players like Kinlaw.
Tack on a regular offseason regimen, and there are plenty of reasons to guarantee Kinlaw begins to live up to his first-round pedigree.