How Muschamp’s words about Deebo laid groundwork for 49ers picking Kinlaw
Just to be clear, Javon Kinlaw’s talent and work ethic are why he found himself near the top of the first round of the NFL draft this past weekend.
But it didn’t hurt to have Will Muschamp, and the background of last year, in his corner when it came to the San Francisco 49ers.
Last spring, former Gamecock Deebo Samuel caught the eyes of the SF staff at the Senior Bowl. He was taken at the top of the second round and turned in a franchise rookie record for receiving yards.
Before all that, Niners GM John Lynch didn’t have a relationship with Muschamp, but what the coach said about Samuel stuck with him.
“We were incredibly comfortable with Will Muschamp because he gave us such an accurate depiction of Deebo Samuel last year,” Lynch said on an appearance on The Herd with Collin Cowherd. “I didn’t know Will. I met him once. But we called on Deebo and he hit all his strengths, but he also hit his, not really weaknesses, but just realities of who the person is. And he depicted Deebo so well, a year later I said, ‘Kyle, we’ve got to pick up the phone and call Will about Kinlaw because he was so darn honest.’”
Kinlaw’s story became more known as the draft process progressed — his oft-homeless childhood, needing to go to junior college before his motivation and focus finally fell into place.
“We made that call,” Lynch said. “Muschamp goes above and beyond in telling me about Javon, the player, the person. Then tells me, hey, call his junior college coach. He knows him better than anybody.”
All of that carried extra weight this offseason as the coronavirus pandemic prevented the traditional visits where staffs can get to know prospects in-person.
Both Kinlaw and Samuel came back for senior seasons, Samuel because he got hurt and Kinlaw because he thought he could improve his draft stock and wanted to finish out his degree.
Kinlaw’s final season was a dominant one, as he posted six sacks and often made an impact on games that far outstripped his stats.
The 6-foot-5, 324-pounder was named an All-American after getting first-team All-SEC, and his new GM focused on a couple games where he simply created havoc.
“What I like to do is watch him against the best competition,” Lynch said. “His two best games this year where against Alabama and Georgia, I thought. And when you can go up and dominate, these are guys who are going to play in the league.”
