49ers castoff earns ‘creature’ compliment from New York Jets Aaron Rodgers | Sporting News

New York Jets‘ quarterback Aaron Rodgers is buying stock in the team’s defense, which is loaded with nine former first-round draft picks.

“Defensively, we’re always gonna be good. We have depth,” said Rodgers after the summer’s first training camp practice in Florham Park.

When it comes to depth, the defensive line certainly has plenty. In addition to edge rushers Jermaine Johnson, Haason Reddick and Will McDonald, three interior linemen — Quinnen Williams, Solomon Thomas, Javon Kinlaw — also entered the NFL as Round 1 selections.

“Our D-line we can just roll people up front,” said Rodgers.

Kinlaw, New York’s newest defensive tackle, was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers at No. 14 overall in 2020. He signed a one-year contract with the Jets this past offseason and his physical size instantly caught the starting quarterback’s attention.

“You look at some of the guys we got now, I mean, Kinlaw’s a creature. I mean, he’s a beast. I haven’t seen a guy like that too many times in the league,” said the 40-year-old Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP.

Set to turn 27 years old on October 3, Kinlaw never lived up to his draft status in San Francisco. He started 28 of 41 appearances over a four-year span.

Kinlaw played a full season for the first time in 2023, tallying 25 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three passes deflections. His massive frame is officially listed at 6’5″ and 319 pounds.