2020 NFL Draft: Scouting South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw
By Ian Higgins
Athleticism
Kinlaw is a natural pass-rusher from the interior and has elite athleticism paired with his 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame. The most important qualities athletically for a three-technique defensive tackle are burst off of the snap, strength once engaged, and the speed to chase down the play. Kinlaw has demonstrated all three in a unique blend that creates a Geno Atkins like ‘nightmare’ from the interior.
Firstly, Kinlaw is one of the most explosive defensive tackles off of the snap in the 2020 NFL draft. Not only does Kinlaw possess NFL-ready anticipation and reactions off the snap, but he also has the explosiveness to take advantage.
Much of the time Kinlaw is able to either a) get into the chest of a blocker before they’re out of their stance b) split the double team down the middle before they can slide into position. This burst also contributes against the run, making Kinlaw a monster on the backside of any running play.
The next major attribute in Kinlaw’s game is his strength. Kinlaw does not have the typical strength of a defensive tackle in which they can stand up a guard against the run, but instead has ‘downhill-strength.’ This kind of strength is applied in the pass-rush when moving downhill against a blocker towards the quarterback. Kinlaw has shown struggles when standing up against the run, but when given an inch to work with he takes a mile.