2020 NFL Draft: Javon Kinlaw fits the Indianapolis Colts interior need

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 09: Javon Kinlaw #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks warms up before their game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Strengths

Javon Kinlaw came into his senior season at South Carolina, showing signs of development in multiple areas of his game. Improved burst off the line of scrimmage (LOS), power at the point of attack (POA), and hand fighting skills all took his play to the next level in 2019. His versatility across the defensive line is impressive, but his best tape comes when he aligned as the 1 or 3 technique.

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The first thing that will pop off when watching Kinlaw’s tape will be his burst off the LOS. When he times it right, offensive guards are caught off guard and usually manhandled right away. Whether he’s facing 1v1 getting his hands into the chest of his opponent before they are out of their stance or facing double teams splitting through the gap before blockers can get into position, Kinlaw is a nightmare with his upfield burst. There were numerous times against Alabama that all you would see was the center getting walked back into the pocket right off the snap.

When it comes to rushing the passer, Kinlaw is pure power moves. His bull rush is outstanding while using his violent hands to excellent length to keep offensive linemen off balance and away from his frame. Tossing blockers aside to disengage was impressive, whether breaking on the quarterback or if the quarterback stepped up into the pocket. The most common pass-rushing moves he utilizes are the chop and rip moves to go along with his bull rush.

Hands are consistently moving as he fights off blockers attacking the wrists, elbows, and back of the shoulder to gain ground. When lined up as a 5 technique, Kinlaw showed an excellent ability to work stunts and twists looping back inside through the A and B gaps. When he’s unable to get to the quarterback in time, he showed great awareness to get his hands up to eliminate passing lanes and bat passes down.

Against the run, Kinlaw’s improved power at the point of attack was very noticeable in 2019 compared to his junior tape. Developing a stout anchor helped improve his ability to maintain gap integrity with his length and heavy hands when facing double teams. While best suited as a gap penetrator, he has all of the physical traits to succeed as a two-gap defender in an odd front.

Using his never-ending motor, he is a bully in the middle that running backs should run away from. He uses his long wingspan to latch onto ball carriers and has vice grips for hands, rarely allowing anyone to break free. When in pursuit from the backside, Kinlaw takes good angles to take away cut back lanes.

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