Javon Kinlaw an intriguing 2020 NFL Draft prospect to watch

South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is an extremely interesting 2020 NFL Draft prospect who could quickly rise up boards as the draft process unfolds.

South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw entered the season as a bit of an afterthought in the NFL Draft community. However, after a strong start to the season, it is easy to see how Kinlaw could be a fast riser as the 2020 NFL draft process continues to play out.

Kinlaw has been a consistent disruptor up front for the Gamecocks this season. Through three games, he has three tackles for loss and three sacks. He has grown into an impressive interior penetrator who can consistently make life difficult for the opposing offense.

Kinlaw is an extremely powerful player who consistently drives the opposing offensive lineman back at the snap. He is quick off of the ball and shows tremendous natural upfield burst both against the run and as an interior pass rusher.

This season, Kinlaw is more explosive than ever, using his combination of speed and quickness well to consistent wreak havoc on the inside. Perhaps most importantly, Kinlaw seems more invested than ever before this season. He has become an extremely high-motor player who never gives up on the play and shows impressive pursuit, both near the line of scrimmage and downfield.

The physical traits are there for him to be a top-tier 2020 NFL Draft pick, and his improved motor is certainly a step in the right direction. That being said, Kinlaw is still a bit raw and has some work to do if he is ever going to reach his full potential.

Most notably, the South Carolina product needs to refine his pass-rush ability. He relies heavily on his physical skill-set, not showing the ability to develop a well-rounded pass-rush plan. If he can improve in this area, the sky is the limit for the young defensive tackle. Kinlaw has only been playing football for five years, so it is fair to expect him to grow into a more well-rounded player in the future.

Simply put, Kinlaw is the kind of guy who teams can consistently put in as a three-technique and let him penetrate. He is an extremely talented and exciting 2020 NFL Draft prospect who has massive upside going forward. There are undoubtedly a lot of NFL eyes on him this season.