ESPN’s Todd McShay heaps praise on former Gamecock: ‘Kinlaw made serious money’
The praise came from all corners for former South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw following a dominant two days at the Senor Bowl.
And he also caught the attention of ESPN NFL draft expert Todd McShay.
On ESPN’s First Draft podcast, McShay laid out how the 6-foot-5, 315-pound disruptor separated himself from some of the best prospects int he 2020 draft.
“It’s so much easier when you’re there watching and studying the same drills and watching these players,” McShay said. “They always seem to stand out, the guys who rise to the top, if you will. Kinlaw just, it was so obvious. It was so obvious that he was the best player there.”
After referencing an injury that ended his practices early, fellow ESPN expert Mel Kiper Jr. chimed in “He had done enough.”
McShay continued: “This is not about playing with teammates. This was not about winning for your college or going to bowl games. This was about making money, and getting to the next level and putting yourself in the best position, and Kinlaw, probably above anyone else there, stood out.”
A one-time junior college player, Kinlaw dropped a serious amount of weight to become a starter his first year on campus. He was productive his second year, but not the force some expected as a hip injury slowed him. He eschewed the NFL after that year.
And as a senior he became that force. He was a first-team All-American, piling up 35 tackles, six sacks, four QB hurries and a pair of pass break-ups. He regularly commanded double teams and at times simply wrecked offensive game plans.
Multiple sites have him projected as a top-15 prospect in the 2020 draft.
