Photo by John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images
ASHBURN, VA - JULY 25 : Washington Commanders defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, left, is greeted by defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. during day one of training camp in Ashburn, VA on July 23, 2025. (Photo by John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders will kick off their 2025 season against the New York Giants with plenty of attention on quarterback Jayden Daniels and the offensive firepower surrounding him. But on the defensive side of the ball, one name stands out as a true wildcard: Javon Kinlaw. The former first-round pick enters the year with something to prove and a chance to make an immediate impact. For a Commanders defense that has retooled its identity, Kinlaw’s presence could be a difference-maker in the trenches.
Kinlaw’s Path to Washington
Kinlaw’s NFL journey has been one of both promise and perseverance. Drafted in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, Kinlaw entered the league with expectations of becoming a dominant interior lineman. His size, strength, and athletic profile made him a coveted prospect. However, injuries slowed his early development, limiting his consistency and preventing him from fully realizing his potential in San Francisco and last year with the New York Jets.
Now with Washington, Kinlaw has the opportunity to redefine his career. Surrounded by a defense that values toughness and disruption, Kinlaw brings a unique skill set. At 6-foot-5 and over 300 pounds, he can collapse pockets and disrupt rushing lanes. His versatility allows him to line up in multiple spots across the defensive front, giving the Commanders an edge in matchup situations.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has emphasized creating chaos up front, and Kinlaw’s blend of power and mobility fits perfectly into that approach. While other names on the line may draw more attention, Kinlaw’s ability to win one-on-one battles could free up teammates and tilt games in Washington’s favor.
Why Week One Matters
The Giants present a challenging test for Washington’s defensive front. New York has invested in strengthening its offensive line to protect new starting quarterback Russell Wilson and open lanes for its backfield. For the Commanders, slowing that attack begins with controlling the line of scrimmage, and Kinlaw will be central to that mission.
As a rotational player with the potential for expanded snaps, Kinlaw provides fresh energy and a physical presence. His ability to generate push against the interior of New York’s line could disrupt both the passing and rushing attack. If he can consistently win inside, Wilson will be forced into quicker decisions, giving Washington’s linebackers and secondary opportunities to capitalize.
For Kinlaw personally, Week One also represents a chance to set the tone for the rest of the season. A strong performance against a divisional opponent would not only boost his confidence but also reinforce his value within the Commanders’ defensive scheme. With veterans like Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu anchoring the linebacker unit behind him, Kinlaw has the support structure needed to thrive.
A Potential Breakout Season
The 2025 season holds significance for Kinlaw beyond just Week One. Washington is building a defense that emphasizes depth and playmakers at every level, and Kinlaw’s emergence could elevate the unit from solid to dominant. If he stays healthy and continues to develop his technique, he has the potential to become one of the most disruptive interior defenders in the NFC East.
NFL Insider and Analyst Lake Lewis Jr., who covers the Commanders closely, views Kinlaw as one of the players to watch this season. His mix of raw power and untapped potential makes him unpredictable—exactly what opposing offenses hate to prepare for. Kinlaw’s role as a wildcard means he can be the unexpected spark, the player who turns a routine drive into a stalled possession.
For Washington fans, Kinlaw represents both hope and intrigue. If he reaches his ceiling, the Commanders will have uncovered a valuable piece to their defensive puzzle. As they take the field against the Giants, all eyes may be on the offense, but it could be Kinlaw who makes the first statement of the 2025 campaign.