The 49ers spent the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft on defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, and after his first three seasons that looked like a mistake: Kinlaw just couldn’t stay healthy, playing 24 games and missing 26 games over his first three NFL seasons.
But this year Kinlaw has played in all three games for the 3-0 49ers, and he has made a big impact on their excellent defense. He says it’s what he thought he could have been doing all along, if not for the injuries.
“I’m healthy, that plays a big part in it,” Kinlaw said, via NBCSportsBayArea.com. “It’s awesome just being out there as a whole situation.”
Teammate Nick Bosa says the 49ers knew Kinlaw would be a force if he could stay healthy.
“He’s just been healthy,” Bosa said. “And really good offseason of training so he’s able to use the tools that he has. I think he’s going to keep ascending.”
The 49ers did not pick up Kinlaw’s fifth-year option, meaning he’ll be a free agent in March. He’s putting himself in a position where he’ll be a sought-after player, if he can stay healthy for the rest of the year.