Javon Kinlaw has started 16 games in two seasons and has three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits. Kinlaw, drafted to replace DeForest Buckner for financial reasons, has hardly reminded fans of DeFo, who started 30 games with 20 tackles for loss, 44 quarterback hits, and 16.5 sacks in the same two-year span.
The comparisons to Buckner will be evergreen, but it’s time for Kinlaw to make his own path. The 49ers need a healthy Kinlaw. Based on their offseason decisions, they’re counting on it. D.J. Jones is gone, and Hasaan Ridgeway is his replacement.