49ers rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw was lauded early on for his sheer size. Multiple teammates called him one of the biggest humans they’ve ever seen. That’s not a surprise given that the 49ers list the No. 14 overall pick in the 2020 draft at 6-5, 319 pounds. Size and strength won’t be enough for Kinlaw to dominate in the NFL the way he did in college, and the rookie is learning that the hard way.
He was blunt about his early training camp returns Tuesday in a conference all with media members.
“I’d be lying if I thought it was good, but I’m making improvements,” he said via the Sacramento Bee. “That’s the main thing. Just get better day by day, that’s it.”
Kinlaw told reporters he’s learning from left guard Laken Tomlinson who’s gotten the upper hand in their early matchups. Those reps against a quality NFL interior lineman are going to be invaluable for Kinlaw, and by extension the 49ers.
San Francisco traded All-Pro DeForest Buckner to the Colts to acquire the pick they used to select Kinlaw. Growing pains were expected, but the 49ers were also anticipating the rookie producing enough to garner a majority of the snaps at 3-technique.
With kickoff for Week 1 less than a month out, Kinlaw’s improvement will be one of the key developments to watch in camp this year. He doesn’t need to be a Pro Bowler in Year 1, but he should start winning more one-on-one matchups with Tomlinson. If he can do that — he should be in a position to be a productive player on a very good defensive front.
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