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."
