San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is putting some pressure on Javon Kinlaw before he has even stepped onto the field for his rookie season.

Kinlaw was selected in the first round by the 49ers during the 2020 NFL Draft to fill the role of DeForest Buckner, who was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round pick.

With the first-round selection, the 49ers traded down one spot to select Kinlaw. Greenlaw knows he is going to fill the three-technique at a high level, and he wouldn't be shocked to see him win Defensive Rooke of the Year:

“[He] is going to really be a perfect 3-technique for us and the way that we play,” Greenlaw said via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. “I think the way that [Nick] Bosa came and really showed his talent, I think Kinlaw can do the same thing and very well be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. I think he has that potential.”

Article Continues Below
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers star Nick Bosa against the Cardinals on January 5, 2025.
49ers star Nick Bosa heaps rare praise on first-round rookieJaren Kawada ·
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
ESPN gives 49ers, Bears, Patriots best chance of biggest turnaroundDouglas Fritz ·
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, right, confers with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh during the teamís rookie minicamp.
49ers rumors: How World Cup could cost San Francisco $37 millionJackson Stone ·
NFC defensive end Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers (left) with brother and AFC linebacker Joey Bosa during the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse
How long 49ers’ Nick Bosa thought Joey Bosa would team up with himJaren Kawada ·
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball against Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7)during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Insider gives ‘bouncy’ Christian McCaffrey, 49ers updateLorenzo J Reyna ·
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Trent Williams’ on field return will have 49ers fans hypedLorenzo J Reyna ·

Kinlaw has some big shoes to fill trying to replace Buckner, a guy who was a standout for their squad. Buckner had 28.5 sacks during his time with the 49ers, but the team knew they weren't going to afford him going forward.

The hope for the 49ers is that Kinlaw becomes a guy they will have to pay a big second contract to because he was a standout in the first few years with team:

“It was real tough to lose DeFo, like as hard as anything, not only with the player but the guy,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “But DeFo gave us a chance to fix a little bit and to be able to regain some of that. … There were a few guys who you can't pass at 13 and Kinlaw was one of those guys.”

All eyes are going to be on Kinlaw, and hopefully he can live up to the expectations.