The San Francisco 49ers hope new defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw can replace the player they traded away, DeForest Buckner. The rookie has seemingly requested to wear Buckner's old number, according to a post on his Instagram account.
The 49ers drafted Kinlaw, who played college football at South Carolina, with the No. 14 overall pick after trading down one spot. They acquired the original selection in March by trading Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts. Kinlaw was the first of two draft picks on Thursday night. The team selected wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of Arizona State at No. 25.
Kinlaw was asked on Thursday what he knew about the 49ers' former Pro Bowl defensive lineman.
"I was watching DeForest since he was coming out of college," Kinlaw responded. "I know he started off as a raw player, and he developed into a monster. I feel like once I can get that type of coaching, I can probably be somebody like him."
San Francisco doesn't currently own a Day 2 draft pick. The team is scheduled to make its next selection in the fifth round (No. 156 overall) on Saturday morning.
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