The New York Jets took a chance on defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw this offseason, hoping that the former first-round pick can remove his “bust” label in 2024.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay listed a few players who could no longer be considered busts after 2024. The list included another familiar face. Zach Wilson.
Kay detailed how Kinlaw can turn his NFL career around.
“Even with limited production, the 26-year-old might finally become a quality defensive tackle in New York,” according to Kay. “If Kinlaw can improve upon his promising performance last year, stay on the field, and consistently disrupt the backfield, he’ll not only justify his current contract but also position himself for a long-term deal next spring.”
The Jets signed Kinlaw to a one-year, $7.25 million agreement this offseason. Fans are optimistic that he can do enough to earn a second contract in New York.
Javon Kinlaw’s Disappointing NFL Career
Kinlaw was expected to be the next standout defensive lineman in the NFL. Instead, he’s still working on becoming a reliable contributor to turn his career around.
Before his NFL career, Kinlaw was a standout player for South Carolina. His offers included Alabama and Clemson as a 3-star recruit, but he chose to stay in his home state. He actually spent one year with a JUCO program before heading to the SEC program.
It didn’t take long for Kinlaw to make an impact for the Gamecocks. He amassed 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, eight pass breakups, and three forced fumbles in three seasons. His final college season concluded with first-team All-SEC honors.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Kinlaw with the 14th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Although they traded back one pick, the first-round selection they used was part of the blockbuster trade that sent DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts.
Unfortunately, Kinlaw could never live up to the hype of replacing an All-Pro at the position. He only had five sacks in four seasons, while being put on injured reserve in both 2021 and 2022.
The good news is that Kinlaw started to find his footing in 2023. He achieved a career-high 3.5 sacks while playing in all 17 regular season games. The Jets are counting on him staying healthy and building on that season in 2024.
The Jets Have Plenty of Talent Up Front
The pressure will be off of Kinlaw in New York. Instead of being seen as a Buckner replacement, he’ll be acting as a veteran on an affordable short-term deal.
Kinlaw will also have plenty of talent around him to make his job easier. He’ll be playing alongside one of the top defensive linemen in the league in Quinnen Williams. The 26-year-old has already made two Pro Bowls and a first-team All-Pro selection.
Meanwhile, the Jets have multiple players on the edge to rush the passer. General manager Joe Douglas made a significant trade for Haason Reddick. He also has invested multiple first-round picks over the last few years on Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald IV.
With so many other established players around him, Kinlaw just needs to concentrate on building on 2023 to become a positive contributor on the Jets defense.
