Carolina Panthers: Five potential draft targets in the Senior Bowl
By Luke Tucker
Javon Kinlaw, DT — South Carolina
One of the most physically dominant players in the upcoming draft class, South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw could be a huge addition to the Carolina defense in 2020 and beyond. The Charleston native has gotten better and better in each season of his collegiate career, and posted a career-high 6.0 sacks in 2019 en route to being named a first-team All-SEC selection. Kinlaw and Auburn’s Derrick Brown are the two highest-rated defensive tackles in the 2020 class; however, Kinlaw has been perhaps the most heralded player throughout the three days of Senior Bowl practices.
Kinlaw went to high school just three hours south of Bank of America Stadium, and could be the perfect addition along his hometown defensive front. While the Panthers have yet to decided on what defensive alignment to run, drafting Kinlaw would make Dontari Poe completely expendable, and would help free up star defensive lineman Kawann Short. Adding the South Carolina product not only helps with personnel, but also would provide a much needed boost to a defensive front that was responsible for the second-worst run defense in the NFL in 2019. Injuries played a huge part, but so did poor performance. Fortunately for the Panthers, Kinlaw could be an answer to their problems.
As much as he would help the run defense, Kinlaw’s ability to get after the quarterback is what makes him so special according to thedraftnetwork.com. His sheer strength and quickness make him tough to block, and once he is blocked, those same traits make it hard to keep him blocked. The one problem with Kinlaw’s game is that he tends to stand up after the first few seconds of a play. Polishing his technique will be key is his continued development, yet his raw power and natural talent make him an intriguing pick for the Panthers or any other team that may select him.