This past season, Bosa racked up 15.5 regular-season sacks, adding four more in the playoffs. Making that even more impressive is the fact that the talented pass rusher was coming off an ACL injury that prematurely ended his 2020 campaign.
While most players aren't the same in their first season back from such a devastating injury, Bosa was better.
"You want me to tell you why?" Kinlaw asked Brad Graham of TheSFNiners during a recent interview. "Because he's probably one of the hardest working people I know. It ain't because he's Nick Bosa. It's because Nick Bosa put in the work—the real work.
"He's just so consistent with everything that he does. He's so, so consistent, and he just made it easy for somebody like me, who's coming in, trying to figure it out, follow the leader. I just literally came in and followed the guy that's very successful on the team."
Kinlaw, the No. 14 overall pick in 2020, is coming off major surgery himself. He appeared in just four games this past season before undergoing reconstructive surgery to repair his ACL—ending his 2021 campaign.
Bosa's path to recovery has motivated Kinlaw, and Bosa's hard work has created a template for the 24-year-old defensive lineman. Kinlaw admits that he is "feeling amazing" and expects to be healthier than ever. That bodes well for a 49ers defense that depends on superb defensive-line play.
"I just work hard all the time now," Kinlaw shared. "I mean, I've been working hard, but now, it's like I hit a different level. Shout out to Nick, though. I'm happy for Nick. He's a goofball, but that's my guy."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Shanahan on 49ers center Brendel: 'Jake's played at a pretty high level'
Jake Brendel remains a frequent topic of discussion among fans who believe the San Francisco 49ers could upgrade at center. While the team may explore options in the 2025 NFL Draft, a rookie replacing the veteran seems unlikely given head coach Kyle Shanahan's emphasis on... -
49ers to host Bowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr. on pre-draft visit
Another top-30 pre-draft visit has been revealed. According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the San Francisco 49ers are among the teams set to host Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in Santa Clara ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Fannin was in Indianapolis last month for... -
Pair of 2nd-year 49ers players switch jersey numbers
The San Francisco 49ers' offseason roster changes have allowed two second-year players to update their jersey numbers. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai, currently the team's third quarterback behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, has switched from No. 4 to No. 14. San Francisco 49ers... -
Former 49ers foe joining 3rd team in 3 years
Russell Wilson's time with the Pittsburgh Steelers lasted just one season. The veteran quarterback, a longtime nemesis of the San Francisco 49ers, is reportedly signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the New York Giants, which could rise to $21 million with...