The latest 2020 NFL mock draft comes from Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, who connected the New Orleans Saints with defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, an impressive player for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Here’s what Trapasso wrote to justify the pick:
Kinlaw looks like a defensive lineman who’ll quickly acclimate to the pro game because he can play a variety of spots on the defensive line and has a high-motor, and is a decently refined pass rusher. The Saints need more push from the inside.
Kinlaw is a big presence along the interior line (listed at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds) who broke out as a junior in 2018, posting 30 combined tackles (nine for loss of yards), four sacks, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 10 games. He’s picked up where he left off in his senior year, notching 13 tackles (four for loss of yards), four sacks, one pass breakup, and two fumble recoveries in just four games. He’s on his way to becoming a first-round pick, and the Saints could certainly use his help.
Starting defensive tackle David Onyemata is scheduled to hit free agency next March; he’s played well in two games after his opening-week suspension. His co-starter at the three-technique defensive line spot, Sheldon Rankins, is on the verge of returning from injury, and he’ll be playing in a contract year next season. Nose tackle Malcom Brown is in the first year of his three-year contract, and they don’t have anyone else with much NFL experience after them. Kinlaw (or someone like him) would be a logical addition.
