From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#80 Jared Pinkney/TE Vanderbilt – 6’4 260
The Good
– Solid frame and seemed to add weight for senior season
– Fluid athlete who runs crisp routes and shows above average burst at the top of his route
– Gets up to speed quickly and isn’t a “build-up” type runner
– Strong hands and consistently catches away from his body, “quiet” catcher capable of plucking and attacking the football out in front
– Finds and adjusts to the ball well
– Capable of making plays in traffic and willing to go over the middle, most plays came between the numbers
– Shows power after the catch and capable of churning out YAC, won’t break a lot of tackles but able to push the pile forward
– Asked to help in every aspect, experience lining up in three point stance, used as a run blocker and pass protector
– Shows effort and desire as a blocker and capable of overpowering DBs in space, runs his feet and works hard through the whistle
– Excellent starting experience
The Bad
– Struggles to sustain contact as a blocker, falls off too easily
– Works hard in pass pro but struggles to keep his feet moving laterally and loses block almost immediately
– Hand placement needs work, punch needs to be lower to stick to block
– Can get overpowered on base blocks against defensive linemen
– Good but not great athlete who won’t make many miss or run away from defenders in open field
– Production fell off dramatically during senior season, only one year of impressive numbers
Bio
– 39 career starts
– Career: 114 receptions 1560 yards 14 TDs
– 2019: 20 receptions 233 yards 2 TDs, played in only eight games
– 2018 (best year): 50 receptions 774 yards 7 TDs
– Suffered wrist injury as a senior
– Three-star prospect coming out of HS
Tape Breakdown
Pinkney is the first tight end I’ve checked out this year and is regarded as one of the better in this class.