Best 2021 NFL breakout candidate from every team

By Randy Gurzi | Jun 28, 2021

ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 02: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Washington Football Team hands the ball off to Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team during the organized team activity at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 2, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 07: A detail of the helmet of defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw #99 of the San Francisco 49ers during a game against the Buffalo Bills at State Farm Stadium on December 07, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers: Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Tackle

The San Francisco 49ers had one of the most dominant defensive lines in the entire NFL during the 2019 season. Joey Bosa, DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Dee Ford were a great force, and their ability to control the defensive side of the ball led the Niners to the Super Bowl.

With Buckner ready to sign an extension, the 49ers elected to trade him to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a first-round pick. Buckner landed a four-year, $84 million extension. San Francisco then used the pick they acquired in the trade on Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina.

Kinlaw was a starter for the majority of his rookie season but he wasn’t anywhere near as effective as his talent suggests he should be. Of course, that’s often the case for rookie defensive linemen as they aim to make the transition to the NFL.

In his second season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kinlaw start to come into his own and improve as a pass rusher. He’s also still got a lot of help around him that should help him get after the quarterback.

San Francisco had a down year in 2020 but hopes to bounce back this season. Having Kinlaw start to move toward his potential would go a long way in helping them achieve that.

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