Can South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw fit in Las Vegas? After trading star pass-rusher Khalil Mack prior to the 2018 and then subsequently compiling an embarrassing 13 total sacks that season, Mike Mayock, Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders have made rebuilding the defensive line a top priority.
Selecting Clemson edge rusher Clelin Ferrell No. 4 overall in this past NFL draft was the first step in doing so and while the Ferrell pick was seen as a bit of a reach at the time, the rookie has played a solid role in the revitalized Raiders pass rush registering 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 10 games.
Additionally, a breakout year for defensive end Benson Mayowa who spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons with the Raiders and finding an absolute gem in the fourth round in Maxx Crosby add to the reemergence of the Raiders pass rush as the duo have combined for an impressive 14.5 sacks.
Oakland has doubled their sack count from 2018 and rank No. 19 in the NFL in the category but if the Raiders want to continue to build on the D-line and replace Mack's impact, South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw could be an option for one of Oakland's two first round picks.
Kinlaw is hard to miss. At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, the Gamecock senior is a physical specimen. Ranked by many as the top interior defensive lineman in the 2020 draft class, Kinlaw is all but certainly a first rounder.
Despite his team being 4-7, Kinlaw has dominated opposing offensive lines to the tune of 31 tackles, six sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Kinlaw has elite athleticism for his size and is one of the most explosive defensive tackles in the country. His motor and effort in the run game could use some work but nonetheless, he's an elite defensive prospect.
Putting a player like Kinlaw on the inside with Crosby and Ferell wrecking havoc on the outside could give the Raiders one of the best young defensive line cores in the NFL. Add in hard-hitting safety Jonathan Abram, a 2019 first round pick who missed the season with injury and Oakland's defensive rebuild seems to be on a faster track than most people expected after an awful 2018.
Oakland's two first round picks — their own and Chicago's project to both be around the middle of the draft, just about where a dominant South Carolina defensive tackle is projected to go.
The Raiders defense has made significant strides in 2019 and if they want to become elite, adding talent like Kinlaw is another step in the right direction.
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