2020 NFL Draft: 5 players 49ers could take in Round 1

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Cornerback Kristian Fulton #1 of the LSU Tigers defends Wide Receiver Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

The 49ers have invested heavily in the defensive line and the hope may be that the depth pieces they have accumulated will be able to step up and fill the void left by the Buckner trade.

While greater contributions from Solomon Thomas, Jullian Taylor, Kentavius Street and Ronald Blair would help mitigate Buckner’s departure, the Niners could land a direct replacement for him if Kinlaw falls to No. 13.

A versatile interior rusher who can excel playing at 3-technique and on the edge, Kinlaw is a powerful pocket pusher with a tremendous get-off and an impressively refined arsenal of pass-rush moves.

Given the array of talent the 49ers already have on the defensive side of the trenches, Kinlaw would be stepping into an excellent position to produce right off the bat. Were Kinlaw to enjoy immediate success with the Niners, they would have another starter on the defensive line on a rookie contract.

Having Kinlaw under their control for five years would provide the 49ers with the flexibility to consider not picking up Thomas’ fifth-year option and make more salary cap savings. Picking another defensive lineman in the first round would not be a popular pick but, as the Niners look to minimize the impact of Buckner’s exit, it is something they must consider.

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