Pass rusher Nick Bosa won the award in February. His defensive line lost DeForest Buckner this offseason, after San Francisco traded the talented interior lineman to the Indianapolis Colts. The 49ers replaced Buckner by drafting defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw out of South Carolina with the No. 14 overall pick.
Greenlaw spoke with reporters via a video conference call on Wednesday and shared that he is expecting big things from his new rookie teammate.
"I really didn't hear too much about him until a couple of weeks before the draft," Greenlaw admitted, "and his name kind of popped up, and I remembered him from when I played him. Just an explosive, big guy who can really move, and it's going to be just a perfect 3-Technique for us, and the way that we play him.
"It's going to be exciting to see his potential. I think the way that Bosa came and really showed his talent, I think Kinlaw can do the same thing and very well may be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. I think he has that potential, so it's going to be exciting to be behind him and get a chance to play with him."
Kinlaw racked up 65 tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his final two seasons at South Carolina.
Earlier this month, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger said he believes Kinlaw has a chance to be the best defensive player from this year's draft class.
"I don't know that any one player, even at the NFL level, can handle him one-on-one," Baldinger told The Athletic. "I think he's just too powerful."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers place Dre Greenlaw on IR, announce O-line signing
The San Francisco 49ers have announced that linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been placed on injured reserve. In a corresponding move, the team has added offensive lineman Zack Johnson to the practice squad. Greenlaw appeared in two games following his recovery from a torn Achilles... -
Why John Lynch believes a longer offseason will benefit the 49ers
For the first time since 2020, the San Francisco 49ers will begin their offseason earlier than usual, missing the playoffs after three consecutive deep postseason runs. With one game left in an injury-plagued and mistake-riddled campaign, the 49ers are shifting their focus to... -
Week 17 predictions: Can the 49ers upset the Lions? Fans weigh in
The San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Monday, December 30, at 5:15 p.m. PT. The Lions enter the contest as 3.5-point favorites. Each week, 49ers Webzone staff members participate in the NFL Pick 'em contest,... -
How the 49ers can secure a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
The San Francisco 49ers face slim odds of landing a top-nine pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers and New York Jets, sitting at 4-11 heading into Week 17, hold the eighth and ninth spots, respectively. Overtaking either team seems unlikely for the 6-9 49ers. The...