Doug B. asks: Has Javon Kinlaw been the biggest disappointment of training camp thus far?
Has Kinlaw been sensational in training camp? No, absolutely not. Has he been a disappointment? No, I don’t think you can say that, either.
I think he’s exactly what the 49ers should have been expecting. One of
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Dane Brugler’s first notes about Kinlaw reads, “raw power courses through his limbs.” Those first two words, “raw power,” are a great way to describe where he is right now. Kinlaw is powerful but in need of refinement.
It’s notable that Kinlaw was credited with six tackles for loss in 12 games last season at South Carolina. That’s not a lot for the 14th overall draft pick. The defensive tackle picked ahead of him, Derrick Brown (seventh overall) had 12.5 and the defensive tackle selected after him, Ross Blacklock (40th overall), had 15.5. A lot of that had to do with Kinlaw dealing with double teams all season (He had 10 tackles for loss the year before, for example.) But you also see a lack of counter moves and finishing moves from Kinlaw in practice.
The good news for the 49ers is that all the foundational elements you’d want in a rookie defensive tackle — size, strength, a high motor — are evident, too. He’s got one of the best position coaches in the NFL in Kris Kocurek and there already have been some signs of improvement. On Sunday, for instance, he finally beat guard Laken Tomlinson in a one-on-one pass-rush battle.
Later in the practice, Kinlaw appeared to be pooped. It was as if he was moving in mud. He seems to have been affected by the hot, heavy weather more than any other 49er, which is ironic because he grew up in Washington, D.C., (hot, humid) and South Carolina (hotter, even more humid). My take is that he has been paying the price for trying to outmuscle his opponents on every snap of training camp.
“He’s getting his feet under him. I think he’s trying to find his way,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said after Sunday’s practice. “I think our offense is an S.O.B. to go against on a day-in and day-out basis with how fast and how physical they are. I think it is a shock to a rookie defensive lineman when they come in here and he’s going against guys like Laken Tomlinson and he’s got Trent Williams trying to reach him on the back side. … It’s tough, but he’s coming along every day. He’s made a small improvement every single day, so the focus for him: continue to get better and hit the ground running come Week 1.”
It’s important to remember that Saleh never is effusive about rookies during the summer. Last year, he called Nick Bosa — who, unlike Kinlaw, got off to a hot start — “just a bobblehead running around.” My thought on Kinlaw is that his technique is going to improve incrementally as the season goes on, that he’s going to benefit when the 49ers get into regular-season practice mode next week and that he’ll be fine against the Cardinals on Sept. 13.
Ian C. asks: If Jason Verrett continues to regain his old form and actually wins the starting cornerback spot, would the 49ers use Emmanuel Moseley as the nickel cornerback until K’Waun Williams comes back?
That’s an option. Moseley played nickel last summer and looked good doing so. But I don’t think that will be the case for a few reasons. The first is that Williams shouldn’t be out for too much longer. He’ll probably miss the remainder of training camp but should be back before the Cardinals visit in Week 1.
Second, Jamar Taylor probably will be the team’s first choice at nickel after Williams. Third, while Verrett has made tremendous progress in his comeback from multiple season-ending injuries, Moseley has been the best and most consistent cornerback among those contending for the starting role. Which is to say, he and Richard Sherman are the most likely Week 1 duo at outside cornerback.
Daniel C. asks: When is Ben Garland due back? And in your opinion, who will be the starting center and right guard for week 1?
John Lynch said last week that Garland could miss two weeks of practice, so he should be back in time for the Cardinals game. That likely means Garland and Tom Compton are the center and right guard combination for that game. Why? Because Garland’s absence has meant Brunskill has had to fill in at center instead of dueling with Compton at right guard.
Brian M. asks: If Brandon Aiyuk misses time, do you think the 49ers are comfortable with the guys they have at receiver, or would they acquire another? For the record, I’m not suggesting Antonio Brown. Rolling on the floor laughing.
They might bring in another receiver to help them get through practices, but they’ve already signed three veteran receivers in recent weeks — Austin, J.J. Nelson and Jaron Brown. So if they were eyeing a secret weapon at that spot, they’d probably have signed him already.
The 49ers are more optimistic now than they were, say, three weeks ago that Deebo Samuel could be ready for the Sept. 13 game against the Cardinals. I remain a bit skeptical considering he doesn’t appear poised to return to practice and we’re just 19 days from the Cardinals game. Samuel still would need time to get back into football shape.
That said, the 49ers seem more apt to place him on the initial 53-man squad instead of on an injury list, which would wash out the first half of the season. Aiyuk’s injury also didn’t appear to be a long-term one, although we’ll have to wait for his prognosis.
Huey P. asks via Twitter: Which “depth” players have impressed so far, particularly edge rushers?
The team’s edge rushers, depending on the defensive package, have been: Bosa, Ford, Armstead, Jordan, Kerry Hyder and Jonathan Kongbo. The 49ers seem to have a number of guys like Hyder who can play outside or inside depending on the situation. Armstead, Ronald Blair and Solomon Thomas also fit that mold.
The question is whether the 49ers have any quality speed rushers beyond Ford. To answer your question, none has exactly impressed. Jordan has been fine in that role, but it’s noteworthy that he’s mostly been going against second-string tackles. Damontre Moore, meanwhile, is waiting by the phone.
As far as other depth pieces, safety Johnathan Cyprien and receiver Tavon Austin seem to be on the bubble between making the 53-man squad and being asked to join the practice squad. The depth at cornerback seems better than it’s been in a long time with Sherman, Moseley, Verrett, Witherspoon and Taylor having starting experience on the outside. Tarvarius Moore seems more confident in Year 2 as an NFL free safety.
Eric T. asks: Any word on Justin Skule? With so many injuries I haven’t heard anything about him.
He looks decidedly better than he did in last year’s training camp when he looked, well, like a rookie. He’s been taking snaps at guard, too. The 49ers seem to want every offensive lineman not named Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey to be able to play multiple spots.
not sure why hes taking so long to practice.
nice writeup tho. I think you're underrating kwaun
