2020 NFL Draft: Top 10 most athletic prospects by position

7 of 11

COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 27: K.C. Crosby #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks recovers a fumble against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle: Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

Javon Kinlaw is undoubtedly one of the best interior pass-rushers in the 2020 NFL draft, and likely the entirety of college football. At 6’6” 310 pounds, Kinlaw has a sturdy frame and great reach to put guards and centers into awkward situations when handling the pass rush.

Kinlaw reminds me very much of Buffalo’s Ed Oliver out of Houston last year. A lengthy 4-3 defensive tackle with an incredible ability to rush the passer.

While watching tape, I never recognized Kinlaw by his position along the line of scrimmage or jersey number, I waited to see which South Carolina pass-rusher got off of the line quickest.

Kinlaw has an incredible jump and often gets his hands into the chest of a blocker before they can get out of their stance. With a good mix of jabs and swipes to get outside the shoulder of a blocker, Kinlaw is able to break through the interior and disrupt a quarterbacks pocket.

Interior pass-rushers are an extremely valuable asset within a 4-3 defense, and Kinlaw provides that. Ed Oliver flew up draft boards with his production last year, and Kinlaw has done the same. Any time who acquires this future nightmare of a pass-rusher is in for a pleasant surprise, and division rivals will be furious their quarterback is unable to step up into a clean pocket.

Home/NFL Draft