3 players 49ers should be concerned about entering 2021

No. 2: 49ers Defensive Tackle Javon Kinlaw

We’re nowhere close to calling the 49ers’ first-round draft pick of 2020, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, a bust. No alarm bells here whatsoever, especially given Kinlaw was asked to immediately fill some sizable shoes in the wake of the Niners trading away Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts just over a year ago.

Certainly not fair to line him up next to Buckner right away.

Kinlaw had his moments in year one, including 1.5 sacks and managing a pick-six interception. But it wasn’t hard to see he needed additional refinement to come close to fully replacing a player like Buckner.

For much of training camp, multiple reports centered on how reserve defensive tackle Kentavius Street, not Kinlaw, was making the most of first-team chances. Street has been one of San Francisco’s better storylines this preseason and should have a clear shot at the 53-man roster.

Read More: Javon Kinlaw needs a huge leap in 2021

That alone could be somewhat concerning with regards to Kinlaw’s maturation. And while it’s still way too soon to panic about Kinlaw, especially given he didn’t have a full offseason program or preseason his rookie year to help with the process, it is fair to hope for a massive leap that hasn’t quite shown up yet from him.

Like Emmanuel Moseley, Kinlaw has been out of preseason action while dealing with minor injuries. Those would have been vital reps to help with his development, and one can only hope his second-year efforts are much further along.

At least if the 49ers want to get the massive Round 1 draft investment return for which they’re hoping.