Senior Gamecock defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw was selected in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night.
Kinlaw was selected 14th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, following a trade down with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Last season, he finished with 35 tackles and six sacks and was named an AP All-American. Kinlaw was also named first-team All-SEC by the coaches.
Kinlaw's pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus was No. 1 of all defensive tackles in 2018 and No. 2 in 2019. His success on the field led to his draft stock climbing all year, and draft analyst Mel Kiper predicted him to be selected in the top-15 picks.
He will be joining a top-tier 49ers defense, adding depth to the squad. Kinlaw will join former Gamecock teammate Deebo Samuel in San Francisco and look to add youth and athleticism to the team's defense.