Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Kinlaw put on a show at the early Senior Bowl practices showing his strength, snap anticipation and a ability to win with a variety of rush moves. He is cementing his status as a potential top-20 player in this years draft despite having to check out of mobile early due to knee issues. If a team is looking for that DT who can rush the passer from the interior a la the Chiefs’ Chris Jones, Kinlaw specializes in that. He finished his 2019 season with 35 tackles, six sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
What the experts say:
Draft Network: Javon Kinlaw is a Day 1 target for any team looking to add a starter on the defensive line, and will be a high priority add for teams looking to increase their disruption up front. A hugely powerful athlete with a wicked first step, Kinlaw demolishes blocking schemes and pocket integrity with regularly. Kinlaw can 1-gap or 2-gap with equal success at the NFL level given his elite toolkit, and his potential as a pass-rusher is sky-high. Inconsistencies regarding Kinlaw’s leverage and pass rush moves limit his ceiling as a one-on-one winner as an interior pass rusher, but by moving him around the line and sticking him in gaps, you’ll get quality pass rush ability in Year 1. Kinlaw is a candidate for Pro Bowl bids the moment he steps on the field, and has the physical tools of the top defensive tackles in the league if he continues to grow.
Drafttek: First round 1 or 3-tech in multiple front schemes. I believe with his size, length, and versatility, he is the best Interior Defensive Lineman in the 2020 draft. Has a lot of Chris Jones from Kansas City to his game. They both lost weight to be more effective from different positions, both do a tremendous job playing with power and length, and are sudden off the LOS with quick hands and good pursuit to ball carriers.
WalterFootball: Kinlaw is dangerous in the pass rush. He is a quick defender at the point of attack who has the ability to fire his gap to get penetration upfield. With his superb length, Kinlaw does a phenomenal job of keeping guards from getting into his chest, keeping them at an arm’s length and making it difficult for them to sustain blocks. With his natural and functional strength, he can push through blocks and can close in an instant on the quarterback. For the NFL, Kinlaw could stand to expand his variety in his pass-rushing moves to get after the quarterback.