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3 areas where 49ers DT Javon Kinlaw must improve in 2021

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (99) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers received promising play from their rookie defensive tackle, Javon Kinlaw, in 2020. But in order to turn the page, he’ll have to improve in some spots.

The San Francisco 49ers essentially replaced Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner with another first-round NFL Draft pick, South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, in 2020.

And right away, Kinlaw was under immense pressure to pick up where Buckner left off, filling a major void vacated by one of the league’s best interior defenders.