SANTA CLARA -- It’s taking a little time for 49ers rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but that’s normal according to his defensive coordinator.
At 6-foot-5 and 319 pounds, the 49ers' first-round draft pick previously had been able to rely on his sheer size and strength to overpower offensive linemen. Once a man amongst boys, Kinlaw is now learning to adjust to a much higher level of technique and speed.
49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh believes there’s no need to worry. Kinlaw’s learning curve is normal, especially when facing an offense like Kyle Shanahan’s.