Falcons interview potential top-10 pick DT Javon Kinlaw at Senior Bowl

We are finally entering the most exciting part of the offseason: Tracking Falcons interviews with prospects. The Falcons always draft players from the Senior Bowl, so interviews at the events give us an idea of where the braintrust is heading in the offseason.

First up is USC defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, perhaps the most popular player at the Senior Bowl.

Earlier this week, I included Kinlaw among potential trade targets with Thomas Dimitroff seemingly itching to make a trade up in the draft. It is still early in the draft process, but Kinlaw is generally considered the second-best interior defensive lineman in the draft behind only Auburn’s Derrick Brown.

While Brown may get get more attention, Kinlaw put up 35 tackles, six tackles for a loss, six sacks, two passes defended, and two fumble recoveries for USC in 2019. At 6-foot-6, 310-pounds, the big defender has surprised scouts with his explosive first step and power.

His athletic ability has already been on display at the Senior Bowl, a place the Falcons heavily scout and draft from every year.

The Senior Bowl is a great place for players to make a serious impact on teams and scouts. Prospects face off directly with other top talent on display for all 32 of their potential future employers. Kinlaw has taken advantage of the opportunity.

The Falcons have spent years trying to get a serious starter next to Grady Jarrett. Kinlaw looks like he could be that player.