Kinlaw's film shows ‘unlimited upside' in solid 49ers debut

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Javon Kinlaw's box score didn't tell the whole story of his rookie debut with the 49ers. The No. 14 overall pick from the 2020 NFL Draft was credited with just one tackle in a 24-20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. 

This is who the 49ers traded DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts for? Kinlaw was supposed to make an impact for a team who made it to the Super Bowl last season. The thing is, he did make an immediate impact, while showing his sky-high potential. 

"I think the best way to describe Javon Kinlaw's NFL debut is ... he flashed," NFL Network's Brian Baldinger explained during a breakdown of Kinlaw's film. "He's got a great transfer of power. ... He's got tremendous power, great lower body strength. He is a bull, like strong. ... Game 1, you gotta learn before you can compete. 

"Kinlaw, I'm looking forward to Week 2."

Baldinger showed how Kinlaw consistently beat his opponent, never stopped moving his feet and forced quarterback Kyler Murray's throw to skip off the grass when he had a wide-open DeAndre Hopkins.

Despite only registering one tackle, Kinlaw earned an 81.4 overall grade for Week 1 by Pro Football Focus. He was credited with two quarterback pressures and one run stop by PFF. Kinlaw was PFF's third-highest graded rookie, and one of the best at his position in the entire league. His PFF grade was first among rookie defensive tackles and fifth overall for the position. 

In fact, Kinlaw's 81.4 PFF grade in his debut already matched the best of Buckner's rookie year. And by PFF's standards, Kinlaw was much better than Buckner in Week 1. 

RELATED: Williams finds silver lining from 49ers' Week 1 loss

Kyle Shanahan took notice to Kinlaw's debut, too. The 49ers coach said Kinlaw "had a hell of a game" in which he played 39 snaps on defense and 10 on special teams.

Kinlaw always was seen as a raw player, who could soon turn into a star. He didn't have a normal offseason by any means or any preseason games to get his feet wet. His numbers might not jump out to fans, but everyone should be pleased by the rookie's first performance as a pro.

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