South Carolina Football: Is Javon Kinlaw worthy of top-10 selection?

Javon Kinlaw, of South Carolina football, is one of the best defensive line prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft. Will he be a top 10 pick?

Javon Kinlaw, the 6-foot-5, 324-pound defensive line prospect from South Carolina, has the potential to place high on draft board in the 2020 NFL Draft. Where will Kinlaw call home at the end of April?

Kinlaw is originally from Charleston, S.C., and attended Goose Creek High School. Following high school, he played his first year of football at Jones County Junior College. He was awarded JUCO All-American honors while at Jones County and recorded 26 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in nine games.

The Gamecocks’ star joined the program in his sophomore year and became a core member of the defensive line. In three years with South Carolina, Kinlaw played in 29 games and recorded 82 total tackles, 40 solo tackles and 42 assists.

In addition, Kinlaw posted 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, eight pass deflections, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.

Kinlaw was honored with first-team AP All-American and first-team All-SEC honors in his senior year with the Gamecocks.

Strengths

Physically, Kinlaw is built to intimidate his opponents with heavy hands and a forceful charge.   His charge requires two blockers to stall pocket collapse and he has an explosive first step.

He is thick and muscular with long arms and a lean mass; his arms measure at 34 7/8 inches and his hands 10 1/2 inches. He possesses length and power, plays a high snap count without tiring and has versatility in schemes and position because of his size and abilities.

Weaknesses

Kinlaw’s greatest weaknesses are his lack of consistency, control and efficiency. He has the tendency to rush in with a wild charge, he doesn’t have a consistent base or balance when attacking blocks and he struggles to hold his ground.

Draft Expectation

In my first-ever mock draft, I have Kinlaw selected by the Carolina Panthers with their first pick, and No. 7 overall. His strengths would add depth to the Panthers’ defensive line, which is rebuilding and he would be in on the changes to the team from the get-go. His weaknesses are also a valid reason for him to go to the Panthers.

Matt Rhule is the new head coach of the Panthers and has a history of taking over struggling programs and turning them into winning ones. Kinlaw is at that level. He’s NFL ready and his strengths combined with Rhule’s experience will build his consistency and accuracy, amongst the few other weaknesses he possesses. He has the physicality and talent to play at the next level, and Rhule will help him grow at the next level.

Projection: No. 7 to the Panthers