Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers rookie
Javon Kinlaw is pretty hard on himself. Everyone else can see the potential in the young defensive tackle. He has his fans, like
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger. Kinlaw knows he can do better, though, and has set very high expectations for himself.
Kinlaw was asked last month how he wants his career to be defined once it is over.
"As the best defensive lineman to ever lace them up, honestly,"
he responded. "That's just how I see it. I don't see it no other way. That's how I've seen it from the start."
Kinlaw shared in August that
he felt there was room for improvement when it comes to his play. Not much has changed now that the rookie has three games under his belt. Kinlaw spoke with reporters again on Thursday and offered an updated self-evaluation. Although, it sounded like more of the same.
"Pretty average," Kinlaw said when asked to evaluate his recent play. "I mean, if I'm being honest here. ... (I've improved) a little bit. Just so much room to grow. That's the thing. So, everything is just average to me."
Defensive tackle
D.J. Jones, however, offers a very different evaluation of his rookie teammate.
"I think he's just being tough on himself," Jones said. "We can all see he's getting better week by week. At the rate he's going, he'll be an -- I mean, I'll put that on his shoulders -- I believe he can be an All-Pro. He's got potential, he's strong, he can play. He can play 3-(technique), 2, he can go out at end.
"I think the sky's the limit for him, and for him to say he hadn't been playing good, I think he's just making it sound good."
Kinlaw was also asked about playing in his first prime-time NFL game. While most players are excited to be on the national stage, the rookie defender views each game very differently.
"That's the thing, I'm not excited when I play," Kinlaw explained. "I'm very angry when I play. It's not excitement for me. Every game is the same, no matter who is the opponent. You look at them all the same. Of course, I'm looking forward to getting out there for another opportunity to showcase what I can do."
Kinlaw was asked to elaborate on his remarks about playing angry.
"It explains itself," he responded. "Angry, pissed off, ready to go. I can't say too much because it's real vulgar, but I'm just angry, just ready to go."
First, it's important to note that San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw doesn't typically provide lengthy answers to questions. It's just not his style. However, he did have a longer-than-usual response on Thursday when asked to identify a teammate who has been most helpful during his transition from the college game to the pros.
That player is sixth-year defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who has taken on a mentorship role with the first-year defender.
"I've been leaning on Arik a lot," Kinlaw said. "Just love getting some feedback from him. Just love watching film with him, and I've been watching film with him. And him just giving me little keys and little things to help me out, to help my game out a lot. So, I have definitely been leaning on
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh spoke with reporters after Thursday's practice as the team prepares to play the New England Patriots. Here is everything he had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
As far as Sunday's game, there was a two-play sequence in the second quarter in which DL Arik Armstead seemed to know exactly what the Rams were running on those two plays. The second was that attempted tight end screen to Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee. How good is he at diagnosing those things and does that come from film study? Does it come from experience? Where does he rank as far as kind of knowing what play is going to be run?
"To answer your question, it comes
Kerry Hyder Jr. joined the San Francisco 49ers this offseason just looking to contribute, do whatever was asked of him, and rejoin his former defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek. He's watched as the team lost Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas for the year. Reinforcements like Dee Ford, Ronald Blair, and Jullian Taylor aren't expected to be back until later in the season. Until then, Hyder, and those who remain, will be entrusted to hold down the fort.
Another player looking to do the same thing is rookie Javon Kinlaw, who has displayed flashes of his potential while adjusting to life in the NFL. Hyder, now in his seventh season, was asked about his first-year teammate this week, his development, and his future.
"He's a hungry player,"
