Reporter reviews of San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw during training camp were mixed. That's not necessarily unexpected for a rookie defender, especially one who didn't have a typical offseason filled with minicamps, OTAs, workouts, and face-to-face coaching at the team's facility.
Guard Laken Tomlinson is someone who can gauge the rookie's progress. He, after all, had the most experience going against the defender during one-on-ones and team drills.
Tomlinson spoke with reporters via Zoom after Monday's practice and was asked about Kinlaw's development as the team prepares to kick off Week 1 on Sunday.
"I can say to his development so far: he's going to be a monster out there," Tomlinson responded. "I'm so excited to see him go out there and show what he's got. He's been working his butt off all of camp, and it's been showing in practice. I'm personally really excited to see him play, and I'm sure everybody else is. He's going to be a monster out there, I can tell you that."
The 49ers selected Kinlaw with the No. 14 overall pick and hope he, along with the rest of the defensive line, can help offset the loss of DeForest Buckner, who was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in March.
Kinlaw was recently asked how he eventually wants his NFL career to be defined when he looks back on it.
"As the best defensive lineman to ever lace them up, honestly," Kinlaw responded. "That's just how I see it. I don't see it no other way. That's how I've seen it from the start."
Tomlinson has no doubts when it comes to Kinlaw's work ethic and dedication to becoming great.
"Honestly, all the work he puts in is on him," Tomlinson added. "He's the one buying into everything, he's the one listening to the coaches, and he's the one going out there and doing all the work. It's all him. His development is 100 percent on him, being bought into everything.
"And that's the kind of guys we've got in this building. Guys who are willing to work hard and come in and make a difference on the team."