LISTEN: Why all positions (Except QB) Should Be In Play In The Draft →
placeholder image

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports


‘Angry’ Javon Kinlaw grades himself ‘average’ while D.J. Jones calls him a future All-Pro

Oct 1, 2020 at 3:52 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
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."



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

49ers to host UCF WR Javon Baker on pre-draft visit

By David Bonilla
7 hrs

Former UCF wide receiver Javon Baker disclosed to reporters at the Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Texas, that he has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the San Francisco 49ers. Baker is among 17 UCF players participating in the event. UCF wide receiver Javon Baker has a Top 30 visit set with the 49ers.Updated draft sheet here: https://t.co/PMEXcUkOmi pic.twitter.com/qO58uTsErH— Steph Sanchez (@Steph49K) March 29,


placeholder image

USA Today grades 49ers' initial free-agency moves

By David Bonilla
Mar 21

Nate Davis of USA Today Sports recently published his free-agency grades for each NFL team. It's been over a week since the start of the new league year, when players no longer under contract are allowed to sign with other organizations, hoping to prove to their former teams that letting them walk was a mistake. While the San Francisco 49ers didn't make any attention-grabbing additions like they did last year with the Javon Hargrave signing, they did shake things up along the defensive line. The Niners bid farewell to their longest-tenured player, Arik Armstead, releasing him for salary cap savings


placeholder image

No Huddle Podcast: What Are The 49ers' Plans For The Future?

By Site Staff
Mar 19

(Episode 322) — Al Sacco and Brian Renick react to the Zach Wilson rumors, what the 49ers should look for in QB2, negative Al speaks up, how the offensive side of the ball is complete for now, replacing all of the superstars will be a challenge, why the 49ers need to draft well this year and next, and more. Note: This episode was recorded before news of Josh Dobbs' signing. The audio for the show is embedded above. Remember to subscribe! You can listen to the latest "No Huddle Podcast" episode above, from our dedicated podcast page, on


placeholder image

NFL Draft: 49ers meet with OT, DB, LB at Pro Days

By David Bonilla
Mar 19

The San Francisco 49ers recently attended UCLA's and Fresno State's Pro Days, aiming to bolster their roster with promising prospects. With an eye on the 2024 NFL Draft, the team may want to add to their defensive back and linebacker positions. The 49ers observed defensive back Alex Johnson's performance in Westwood. When asked about his interactions with NFL teams, Johnson revealed, "I'm on my way to talk with the Niners right now." UCLA defensive back Alex Johnson is meeting with the San Francisco 49ers after his Pro Day in Westwood.


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone