49ers rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw didn’t have his name called many times Sunday in his NFL debut, but he was still extremely effective according to Pro Football Focus’ grading system.
The No. 14 overall pick was the third-highest graded rookie in the first week behind Jaguars cornerback CJ Henderson and Washington defensive end Chase Young.
There were certainly both good and bad things from Kinlaw’s first game, but the fact he was effective at taking on blocks and not getting cleared out of space in the run game was key for him. Arizona’s running backs averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in part because of Kinlaw’s work inside. He only had one tackle, but a lot of what he’ll do on the interior won’t show up in the box score. As long as he’s occupying blockers and not getting forklifted into the second level, he’s doing an okay job.
Pass rushing is where he’ll need to improve. He was on the field for 23 pass rushing snaps according to PFF and notched only two pressures. That’ll be something worth watching throughout the season to see how he develops. Getting some pass rush from the interior will be important if the team is going to replicate what DeForest Buckner was able to do inside.
Sunday may not have been perfect for Kinlaw, but it was a pretty good start.