While Kinlaw was among Pro Football Focus' lowest-graded players from the game, one analyst, Brian Baldinger of NFL Network, once again saw flashes of greatness from the first-year defender. The potential is there, and Baldy feels Kinlaw could develop into a devastating force in the NFL.
How devastating? Baldy offered some high praise while breaking down one of a few plays by the 49ers' first-round pick.
"There's a half a dozen plays on Sunday, in this loss by the 49ers, where their No.1 pick, the 13th pick in the draft, Javon Kinlaw, showed up," Baldy said.
The analyst broke down a couple of plays that showed Kinlaw manhandling Saints guard Andrus Peat, using his hands and power to force his way past the two-time Pro Bowl selection.
"He learned it from Bosa, I think," said Baldy. "It sure looks like Nick Bosa — just that violent slap right there to beat Andrus Peat, and he gets to the ball. He gets to [Jameis Winston] right there."
Kinlaw showed off a similar move against Peat in his sack of Taysom Hill.
"Physically, he just takes Peat right here, who's 340 pounds himself, and just pushes him aside," said Baldy. "He takes down Taysom Hill. I mean, that's just physically-imposing football, one-on-one, Kinlaw winning."
Kinlaw wasn't too impressed by his performance and didn't boast about his first NFL sack.
"I mean, it's just one," Kinlaw said after the game. "Just one. Just one."
While it wasn't enough to win the game, Kinlaw and the 49ers defense displayed a strong effort against the Saints' high-powered offense.
"I feel like, all season, plays have been there, but sometimes I'm just a step off," Kinlaw said. "I feel like everything was firing today. I made plays when it counted. Just going to try to keep it rolling, that kind of stuff."
Added Baldy: "Kinlaw showed up, man. And I think it's just a start. I expect a good second half from him, figuring out some of these schemes and plays."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers have a 'real legit plan' in place for Nick Bosa, says Raheem Morris
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was among the nine players who did not practice on Tuesday. However, general manager John Lynch revealed during a radio interview earlier in the day that Bosa plans to participate on Wednesday before the team travels to... -
49ers reveal when Nick Bosa plans to return to practice
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa did not participate in Monday's practice as the team began preparations for its trip to Australia, where it will face the Los Angeles Rams on September 10. Instead, Bosa worked on the side while his teammates went through team... -
49ers injury report: Kyle Shanahan provides updates on Mike Evans, Nick Bosa, several others
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan planned to allow most of his starters to sit out Thursday night's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. For many, that is good news, as the team is dealing with several injuries. Shanahan spoke to reporters after Tuesday's... -
49ers injury updates: Kyle Shanahan outlines practice plans for George Kittle, Nick Bosa
The San Francisco 49ers expect tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa to practice this week as the team prepares to travel to Australia for its Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Kittle returned to practice last week after being activated from the...