Las Vegas Raiders 2020 NFL Draft prospect profile: Javon Kinlaw

Strengths

As alluded to earlier, Kinlaw is very impressive as a pass-rusher. He gets off the ball quickly on throwing downs, has good hand placement, can win with power moves like a push-pull or bull rush, and he can get pressure with finesse by getting on an edge and using a swim move.

Combining all of this with a good motor and counter moves, the South Carolina product has plenty of tools in his tool belt to get after the quarterback.

Against the run, he’s better when given one-gap responsibilities as that assignment allows him to use his good get off and play in the offense’s backfield. Kinlaw also has good upper body strength, as seen above, to get extension against offensive linemen and shed their blocks to be in a good position to make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage.

This trait combined with his ability to keep his feet moving also helps to fight double teams, although he’s not as consistent in this realm.

Weaknesses

When asked to play a two-gap assignment, the former Gamecock often false steps and stands up out of his stance, negating his ability to get off the ball and play with good pad level. This becomes especially worrisome when taking on doubles because he has no leverage and plays with a narrow base.

More physical offensive linemen will be able to take advantage of this at the next level in one on one situations as well.

Kinlaw’s upfield burst and agility can also be used against him, as he will overrun plays in the offense’s backfield and offensive linemen can ride his momentum laterally to create bigger rushing lanes. He needs to learn how to stay under control when breaking through the line of scrimmage, and to stick his foot in the ground when slanting to fight back against blockers.