San Francisco 49ers guard Laken Tomlinson spoke with reporters on Wednesday via a video conference call and shared his thoughts on two new teammates and one coming back from an injury.
First, there was Trent Williams, the seven-time Pro Bowl tackle who is slated to line up next to him this season. San Francisco traded for Williams during the draft, surrendering two draft picks to Washington for the veteran offensive lineman.
"It's been amazing (having him next to me)," Tomlinson said, "Just going out there, with the walk-throughs we've had, and then going into Phase 2, it's just been awesome. Credit goes to, obviously, (Kyle) Shanahan and (John) Lynch, getting Trent in the building, and getting solid guys like that is amazing for our offense."
Tomlinson said that he and Williams have done a "phenomenal job" at building cohesion with each other.
"Even though we're social distancing, it feels great to be in the same room with the guys, and communicating with each other," he added.
Tomlinson was asked to offer up his first impressions of rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
"He's just a specimen," the offensive lineman responded. "I can't wait to go against him live in camp. I'm sure a lot of guys are excited to see him go, and we're all excited that he's here in the building, and just trying to get some solid work with each other."
Finally, Tomlinson discussed running back Jerick McKinnon, who is looking to take his first regular-season snaps with the 49ers since signing with the team in 2018. He suffered an ACL injury just before the start of that season and a setback last year forced him to miss his second consecutive year.
"He's a helluva guy," Tomlinson said with a smile. "I love his energy. I've always loved his energy. I'm excited to see what he does with the pads on, when we get going."
