2020 NFL Draft: Scouting South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw

One of the most impressive interior defensive linemen of the 2020 NFL draft, Javon Kinlaw has demonstrated the talent to be a contributor from day one.

Javon Kinlaw is currently ranked as one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country and is a first-round candidate for the upcoming 2020 NFL draft. Kinlaw is a unique 4-3 defensive tackle who can contribute against both the run and the pass. At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, Kinlaw accumulated six sacks and 35 total tackles throughout his senior campaign with the gamecocks.

As the NFL game continues to revolve around the offense, NFL defenses need to become better prepared for what is to come. One of those defensive counters is the new breed of defensive tackles that have become stars within the NFL.

Aaron Donald, Geno Atkins, Grady Jarrett, and others have become premier pass-rushers in their defenses because of the skills they have at the defensive tackle position. Interior linemen who can disrupt the pocket impact the quarterback most by disrupting his clean pocket and creating chaos.

When evaluating a defensive tackle prospect, there are four main aspects I look at:

• Athleticism: the combination of quickness and strength to overpower and/or go around blockers
• Technique: the ability for a player to use his hands and win the leverage battle
• Football IQ: how quickly & accurately can a player identify a play and chase down the ball carrier
• Motor: how consistently does the player chase down the play and continue his pursuit

Throughout this scouting report, these four major areas will be evaluated via college game tape at South Carolina in regards to Kinlaw’s ability to contribute from day one.