Kinlaw had missed 24 games over the past two seasons. He underwent reconstructive knee surgery in 2021. A setback last season forced Kinlaw to miss 11 games. Fans were ready to label the defensive lineman a "bust." Some already had.
The defensive lineman just could not stay on the football field.
Kinlaw is finally healthy, though, and making his presence known. The defensive tackle is on pace for his best Pro Football Focus grade after an unimpressive first three NFL seasons. Kinlaw finished with a 31.9 overall grade in 2022. That has jumped to 82.5 through three games this season.
Kinlaw has recorded six total pressures and six hurries in limited playing time this season. That matches his totals for all of last season. His pass rush win percentage has increased from 6.6 in 2022 to 19.3 this season.
Is this the best Kyle Shanahan has seen Kinlaw play?
"Yes, because it's the healthiest [he's been]," the coach responded via a conference call on Friday. "I go all the way back to his rookie year, right when he started getting going. I felt, probably since then, the best he was was his rookie year, right before that Dallas game. And then, when he hit his knee on the turf in that Dallas game, he's really never felt right since.
"This is the first offseason we've seen him feel right to where he was able to get himself in complete football shape and be ready to go for practices before they even started, which was the first time that allowed him to get through practices. So he got better at football this offseason with training camp and everything, and really, really happy for him because he's put the work in, and it's showing up on the film."
One of Kinlaw's teammates has also noticed the "huge" improvement in the defensive tackle.
"He's just been healthy and a really good offseason of training," defensive end Nick Bosa said after Thursday night's 30-12 win over the New York Giants. "So he's able to use the tools that he has, and I think he's going to keep ascending."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Jed York confident Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch can revive the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers faced a disappointing 2024 season. Injuries were a significant factor in the team's 6-11 finish, but mental mistakes also contributed to the struggles, leaving the team eager to address these issues during the offseason. This offseason is crucial for... -
Offseason Focus: Addressing the 49ers' Offensive Line
After a disappointing 2024 season, improving the offensive line will need to be a major priority for the San Francisco 49ers. Not only will they need to improve the unit if they want to contend in a competitive conference, but they will also need to be able to protect... -
Would the 49ers accept one of these trade proposals for Deebo Samuel?
Deebo Samuel appears ready to move on from the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver has requested a trade, and the 49ers have granted him permission to seek one. Unlike his 2022 trade request—when Samuel was fresh off a breakout season with 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14... -
How Brock Purdy and the 49ers might have to compromise in contract talks
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is on track to become the highest-paid player in franchise history—and one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. That much seems almost inevitable. However, it's becoming increasingly unlikely that Purdy's agent will secure a...