Riddle’s Rundown: Taking Kinlaw at 14

Maurice Jones-Drew at NFL.COM has the Bucs taking South Carolina DL Javon Kinlaw with the 14th overall pick. Jones-Drew stated that “Kinlaw is a man among boys. This will be a value pick for the Bucs, and they can’t pass on this kind of talent — Keep in mind that Ndamukong Suh is a pending free agent.”

I’m going to have to agree with Jones-Drew on that one. If Kinlaw is still on the board at 14, it would be extremely difficult to pass him up. With Ndamukong Suh most likely leaving via free agency, the Bucs will lack depth along their defensive front, and Kinlaw could step in and make a difference immediately. Not only is he excellent against the run, but he also provides a much-needed pass-rush along the defensive line, something that Suh, while great against the run, did not.

Last season as a senior at South Carolina, Kinlaw put up 35 tackles, 15 of them solo, with 6 sacks, 6TFL, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2PD. If the Bucs do decide to move on from Suh, then Kinlaw would be the most logical choice. He can play anywhere along the defensive line and is extremely explosive for a player his size: 6’5″ and 315lbs. He times the snap very well, and with his tremendous burst off the snap and devastating bull-rush, will cause serious problems for any offensive lineman assigned to block him.