Javon Kinlaw on the hot seat as 49ers improve ESPN power rankings position

In March, the San Francisco 49ers sat at No. 3 in ESPN's power rankings, with only the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles listed ahead of them. In May, the Bay Area team dropped to No. 5.

The Niners are now situated right between their March and May rankings, at No. 4, in the latest ESPN power rankings. The Chiefs and Eagles still occupy the top two slots, with the Cincinnati Bengals coming in at No. 3.

ESPN asked each of its NFL team reporters to identify one individual on the hot seat in 2023. The choice was probably simple for 49ers beat reporter Nick Wagoner. He selected injury-plagued defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, a former first-round draft pick.

"Kinlaw's career to this point has been marred by a persistent knee issue that has limited him to 24 games and 1.5 sacks in his first three seasons since being drafted at No. 14 in 2020," wrote Wagoner.

Unsure of his future, the Niners opted not to exercise the defensive tackle's fifth-year option. That means Kinlaw is entering the final year of his rookie deal. His 31.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for the 2022 season (including the playoffs) was the lowest on the team.

The defensive tackle has failed to live up to the expectations often linked to first-round draft picks.

"Kinlaw has returned to camp in shape and has impressed coaches," Wagoner continued. "The Niners don't need him to be a star, but if he can carve out a role and produce, it would bode well for his future in San Francisco or elsewhere."