2020 NFL mock draft: Surveying latest options for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Matt Conner
CBS Sports – Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
CBS at least has the good sense to have the Chiefs picking 31st overall, which infers a Super Bowl appearance. It’s not a win, but even being in the big game would be super exciting and it’s nice to see the Chiefs earning respect on that level.
As for the choice, they’re going with Javon Kinlaw, a big beast of a defensive lineman at 6’6, 300-plus pounds. If teams are going to keep doubling Frank Clark and then attending to Chris Jones as best they can (or vice versa), then Kinlaw would give them that third beast up front to punish opposing offensive lines like few defensive coordinators could. CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson writes:
"Kinlaw is stout at the line of scrimmage and has the ability to consistently push the pocket. His strength can be disruptive, pushing linemen into the backfield and affecting timing of both run and pass plays. The offense has to account for him on every snap, often double-teaming him with mixed results."
This feels like a championship pick, despite the fact that it’s not a cornerback. That said, bolstering lines that are already good are the sorts of moves that guarantee long-term success. Kinlaw can contribute early, of course, as a senior, but he’s coming up in a wave with Khalen Saunders that will help when the team watches players like Emmanuel Ogbah leave.
Then again, it’s not a cornerback. It’s good, but it’s not great.