Jason Pinkston of Pittsburgh ~ 6.4/308
"Possesses good overall thickness through his upper body and looks a lot broader than his height/weight numbers would indicate. Also plays long and does a nice job of keeping his elbows inside his frame and maximizing his length on contact. Is a pretty natural bender out of his three-point stance and does a nice job of keeping his base under him and really firing off the football in the run game.
Exhibits an impressive combination of body control and pop when asked to reach linemen off his frame and is really powerful on contact eliminating defenders on kick-out blocks inside. Displays good coordination on the move and can break down in space, but he seems to get a bit confused at times and struggles to find a man to block at the second level. Will consistently make his way out into space, but at times gets caught blocking no one.
Showcases natural balance out of his stance in the pass game and does a nice job of quickly redirecting laterally. Generates a good burst off his left foot when asked to change directions back inside while keeping his base down and feet under him. Does a great job keeping his hands up where his eyes can see them at all times and is a quick puncher who can sit in and anchor at the point. Doesn’t waste much motion off the snap when asked to reach the corner out of his three-point stance. Does a great job of getting his left foot moving initially toward the edge and gracefully sliding his feet together in sync on his kick-slide.
However, the biggest concern I have with him at this stage is his overall range as I don’t think he’s a good enough athlete to reach speed off the edge at the next level. He’s consistently forced to open up his hips/shoulders toward the outside and push the pass rusher past the pocket on their outside speed rush if they get on top of him quickly.
Impression: He’s physical and coordinated in the run game and very fluid redirecting vs. the pass. Just lacks the kind of range needed to play left tackle at the next level. However, he looks like a very capable right-sided player with Pro Bowl potential if kicked inside to guard."
Exhibits an impressive combination of body control and pop when asked to reach linemen off his frame and is really powerful on contact eliminating defenders on kick-out blocks inside. Displays good coordination on the move and can break down in space, but he seems to get a bit confused at times and struggles to find a man to block at the second level. Will consistently make his way out into space, but at times gets caught blocking no one.
Showcases natural balance out of his stance in the pass game and does a nice job of quickly redirecting laterally. Generates a good burst off his left foot when asked to change directions back inside while keeping his base down and feet under him. Does a great job keeping his hands up where his eyes can see them at all times and is a quick puncher who can sit in and anchor at the point. Doesn’t waste much motion off the snap when asked to reach the corner out of his three-point stance. Does a great job of getting his left foot moving initially toward the edge and gracefully sliding his feet together in sync on his kick-slide.
However, the biggest concern I have with him at this stage is his overall range as I don’t think he’s a good enough athlete to reach speed off the edge at the next level. He’s consistently forced to open up his hips/shoulders toward the outside and push the pass rusher past the pocket on their outside speed rush if they get on top of him quickly.
Impression: He’s physical and coordinated in the run game and very fluid redirecting vs. the pass. Just lacks the kind of range needed to play left tackle at the next level. However, he looks like a very capable right-sided player with Pro Bowl potential if kicked inside to guard."
"Positives: Strong initial punch to be dominant when locking his hands onto ends and extending his arms. Uses his size and length to take quicker rush ends around the pocket. Generally bends his knees and gives very good effort to mirror his man throughout the play. Protects inside lane and his motor runs consistently. Wide-body with the look of a guard but the agility to play tackle.
Negatives: Carrying extra weight in the midsection and needs to improve his kick-slide and depth to handle NFL speed. Reaches and lunges and gets concrete feet, making him susceptible to secondary rush. Lacks great flexibility and relies too much on raw strength."
Negatives: Carrying extra weight in the midsection and needs to improve his kick-slide and depth to handle NFL speed. Reaches and lunges and gets concrete feet, making him susceptible to secondary rush. Lacks great flexibility and relies too much on raw strength."
"Agility: Pinkston's is not a very fluid athlete and struggles to remain balanced. He plays with a high pad level and he bends at the waste rather than at his knees. These factors lead to a lack of balance and uncoordinated movements. However, Pinkston shows quick feet especially while in his kick slide.
Movement: High pad level and uneven weight distribution result in Pinkston being off center. He is often falling forward and out of control when trying to apply a block. In pass protection, his feet get to wide hurting his ability to anchor after contact. His short arms also lead him to lunging forward and loosing his balance.
Pass Blocking: Lack of balance and arm length lead to struggles in pass protection for Pinkston. He tends to raise his pad level and over extends his body in order to reach the pass rusher. He has quick feet but that is negated by his lack of balance. Speed and power rushers alike give Pinkston trouble. The speed guys can get underneath him and turn the corner while the power rushers can get into his body and push him backwards. Pinkston is more of a puncher than a Velcro blocker. Overall, Pinkston is going to struggle protecting the passer in the NFL but his quick feet might be his only saving grace.
Quickness: Pinkston has quick feet and is explosive out of his stance. These two attributes are what gives him a fighting chance in pass protection. He is able fire off the ball and get into the defender quickly in the running game.
Run Blocking: Keeping his feet underneath him and remaining balanced are problem areas for Pinkston. He has a tendency to lung at his target rather than sitting into his stance and taking solid steps. Pinkston appears to be compensating for his less than idea arm length. He lunges to try and get inside hand placement but it often results in missed blocks. Being off balanced limits the push off the line Pinkston is able to generate. I also question Pinkston football IQ as he appears lost and unable to identify the proper target. This is most noticeable when Pinkston attempts to make a block in the 2nd level.
Strength: Pinkston has strength but his lack of balance limits his playing strength. His natural ability allows him to get some movement on the line but his forward lean limits the potential. Pinkston has a good power punch and is able to recoil quickly. However, he is more of a puncher than a Velcro player and his short arms allow defenders to slip past him.
Technique: Lacking a natural bend hinders Pinkston's ability to sink his hips and anchor. This is compounded by his tendency to play high. Pinkston's steps are long and uncoordinated which lead to poor balance in both the passing and running game. While in his kick slide, Pinkston keeps his hands out in front of him with little wasted motion and this allows him to be an effect puncher.
Final Word: Pinkston is not a prospect that I see developing into a contributor in the NFL. He has limited athletic ability and poor overall technique. These problems are closely related as some poor technique is a result of limited athleticism. Pinkston's best fit might be as a right tackle but in order to be successful he needs to work on remaining balanced in the running game. I see Pinkston as a late round tackle prospect."
Movement: High pad level and uneven weight distribution result in Pinkston being off center. He is often falling forward and out of control when trying to apply a block. In pass protection, his feet get to wide hurting his ability to anchor after contact. His short arms also lead him to lunging forward and loosing his balance.
Pass Blocking: Lack of balance and arm length lead to struggles in pass protection for Pinkston. He tends to raise his pad level and over extends his body in order to reach the pass rusher. He has quick feet but that is negated by his lack of balance. Speed and power rushers alike give Pinkston trouble. The speed guys can get underneath him and turn the corner while the power rushers can get into his body and push him backwards. Pinkston is more of a puncher than a Velcro blocker. Overall, Pinkston is going to struggle protecting the passer in the NFL but his quick feet might be his only saving grace.
Quickness: Pinkston has quick feet and is explosive out of his stance. These two attributes are what gives him a fighting chance in pass protection. He is able fire off the ball and get into the defender quickly in the running game.
Run Blocking: Keeping his feet underneath him and remaining balanced are problem areas for Pinkston. He has a tendency to lung at his target rather than sitting into his stance and taking solid steps. Pinkston appears to be compensating for his less than idea arm length. He lunges to try and get inside hand placement but it often results in missed blocks. Being off balanced limits the push off the line Pinkston is able to generate. I also question Pinkston football IQ as he appears lost and unable to identify the proper target. This is most noticeable when Pinkston attempts to make a block in the 2nd level.
Strength: Pinkston has strength but his lack of balance limits his playing strength. His natural ability allows him to get some movement on the line but his forward lean limits the potential. Pinkston has a good power punch and is able to recoil quickly. However, he is more of a puncher than a Velcro player and his short arms allow defenders to slip past him.
Technique: Lacking a natural bend hinders Pinkston's ability to sink his hips and anchor. This is compounded by his tendency to play high. Pinkston's steps are long and uncoordinated which lead to poor balance in both the passing and running game. While in his kick slide, Pinkston keeps his hands out in front of him with little wasted motion and this allows him to be an effect puncher.
Final Word: Pinkston is not a prospect that I see developing into a contributor in the NFL. He has limited athletic ability and poor overall technique. These problems are closely related as some poor technique is a result of limited athleticism. Pinkston's best fit might be as a right tackle but in order to be successful he needs to work on remaining balanced in the running game. I see Pinkston as a late round tackle prospect."
"Jason Pinkston was once rated as the 25th best defensive lineman in the nation according to Scout.com. He was a four star recruit, and looked to become a dominant defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Pinkston could be a steal in the middle rounds.
Pinkston practiced as a defensive tackle in practices, up until Pitt decided a move to the offensive side of the ball would best suit his skillset. Pinkston would eventually play both tackle positions, as well as right guard in his four year tenure with Pitt.
Strengths
Pinkston has been a gem for the Panthers in run situations. He’s a punishing run blocker who displays good strength, and a nice ability to get to the second level. He does a good job of finishing blocks in the run game, and he stays low gaining leverage on his man. He has solid arm length and can separate from defenders. He’s an adequate pass protector, and has solid footwork and quick enough feet. His drop step is nice and wide and he anchors down well. He’s a smart football player with good intangibles.
Weaknesses
Pinkton is 6’4 on a good day, and his size isn’t what you would like to see out of your starting left tackle. He may be best switching to the right side, or even guard as his pass protection is nothing more than average. While he has solid footwork, he sometimes gets too high in his stance when in pass protection. He doesn’t keep his hands inside and will get called for holding. He lacks a good initial punch and struggles to mirror defenders, making him more of a liability on the left side.
Draft Range
Pinkston’s stock seems to be falling with other offensive tackles seemingly rising ahead of him. Pinkston still should be a nice gem in the fourth round, and shouldn’t fall past the fifth. Teams like Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Cleveland, and Cincinnati will all look to grab Pinkston in the fourth or fifth round in an effort to bolster the right side of their offensive lines.
NFL Comparison: Jon Scott "
Pinkston practiced as a defensive tackle in practices, up until Pitt decided a move to the offensive side of the ball would best suit his skillset. Pinkston would eventually play both tackle positions, as well as right guard in his four year tenure with Pitt.
Strengths
Pinkston has been a gem for the Panthers in run situations. He’s a punishing run blocker who displays good strength, and a nice ability to get to the second level. He does a good job of finishing blocks in the run game, and he stays low gaining leverage on his man. He has solid arm length and can separate from defenders. He’s an adequate pass protector, and has solid footwork and quick enough feet. His drop step is nice and wide and he anchors down well. He’s a smart football player with good intangibles.
Weaknesses
Pinkton is 6’4 on a good day, and his size isn’t what you would like to see out of your starting left tackle. He may be best switching to the right side, or even guard as his pass protection is nothing more than average. While he has solid footwork, he sometimes gets too high in his stance when in pass protection. He doesn’t keep his hands inside and will get called for holding. He lacks a good initial punch and struggles to mirror defenders, making him more of a liability on the left side.
Draft Range
Pinkston’s stock seems to be falling with other offensive tackles seemingly rising ahead of him. Pinkston still should be a nice gem in the fourth round, and shouldn’t fall past the fifth. Teams like Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Cleveland, and Cincinnati will all look to grab Pinkston in the fourth or fifth round in an effort to bolster the right side of their offensive lines.
NFL Comparison: Jon Scott "
"Bio: Three-year starter at left tackle awarded all-Conference honors the past two years.
Positive: Solid pass protector who blocks with solid fundamentals. Bends his knees, plays with good pad level, and keeps his feet moving. Gets leverage on opponents, quick with his hands, and effectively uses them throughout the action. Immediately gets off the snap into blocks, is resilient, and stays with the action. Stays square and effectively uses body positioning to seal defenders from the action. Flashes ability in motion, getting out to the second level and removing linebackers.
Negative: Overextends into blocks, which adversely affects his balance. Lacks dominant strength and really does not get much movement at the point of attack. Struggles against power edge rushers.
Analysis: Pinkston has been a productive blind side protector for Pittsburgh since his sophomore season and has enough skill to play the left tackle position in the NFL. He may move into guard based on his size, but he offers the ability to play in a conventional offense or in a zone blocking system."
Positive: Solid pass protector who blocks with solid fundamentals. Bends his knees, plays with good pad level, and keeps his feet moving. Gets leverage on opponents, quick with his hands, and effectively uses them throughout the action. Immediately gets off the snap into blocks, is resilient, and stays with the action. Stays square and effectively uses body positioning to seal defenders from the action. Flashes ability in motion, getting out to the second level and removing linebackers.
Negative: Overextends into blocks, which adversely affects his balance. Lacks dominant strength and really does not get much movement at the point of attack. Struggles against power edge rushers.
Analysis: Pinkston has been a productive blind side protector for Pittsburgh since his sophomore season and has enough skill to play the left tackle position in the NFL. He may move into guard based on his size, but he offers the ability to play in a conventional offense or in a zone blocking system."
"Positives: Will get some consideration at Offensive Tackle... Athletic... Reasonably good length and long arms... Good pass blocker... Good burst out of his stance... Very solid knee bend... Good footwork, reasonably good lateral movement and slide... Good agility and COD... Uses his hands reasonably well, good hand placement... Does a nice job re-directing... Carries his pad reasonably well... Very solid run blocker... Fires off the ball when run blocking, stays low and plays with leverage... Adequate upper body strength, solid punch... Does a nice job at POA... Very solid anchor, good base, can generally stop the bull rush... Good mobility... Can pull and get to the second level... Good flexibility and body control... Does a solid job blocking on the move... Reasonably good balance... Similar in many ways to former Packer and Brown Ross Verba.
Negatives: Inconsistent... Has some durability concerns... Doesn't always get good depth on kick slide... Doesn't have the feet to play Left Tackle in the NFL... Can be beat by good outside speed, doesn't possess good outside lateral range... Slow getting squared up to counter-moves... Will stop his feet and reach and lean... Gets too high on some run blocks, will bend at the waist... Not an especially hard worker... Durability/knee concerns."
Negatives: Inconsistent... Has some durability concerns... Doesn't always get good depth on kick slide... Doesn't have the feet to play Left Tackle in the NFL... Can be beat by good outside speed, doesn't possess good outside lateral range... Slow getting squared up to counter-moves... Will stop his feet and reach and lean... Gets too high on some run blocks, will bend at the waist... Not an especially hard worker... Durability/knee concerns."
"Strengths: Great feet. Athletic. Handles speed rushers pretty well, despite not having the longest arms. Can get downfield quickly even after driving his man out of the play. Superb athlete with great feet. He plays with technique. He is asked to do a lot by Pitt. Jason is assigned to hit quick stop and trap down sometimes. Three-year starter who has been remarkably durable and reliable. Smooth movements. Keeps arms extended in pass pro. Good punch and recoil. OK body. Good enough feet to stay at the money tackle slot at the next level. Can pull. Classic pass pro stance and form. Absorbs the bull rush. Re-routes rushers well with his initial punch.
Weaknesses: Almost overly technical at times, and could play with a little more nasty. Lacks rocks in his pants and will struggle with big bull rushers. Will not be a dominant run blocker. Not the fastest when pulling. Sets up high when he is tired and can be rocked back at times. Only average as a cut blocker. Will whiff completely in pass pro when he is not using his head.
Projection: This season will solidify Pinkston as a third to fourth rounder."
Weaknesses: Almost overly technical at times, and could play with a little more nasty. Lacks rocks in his pants and will struggle with big bull rushers. Will not be a dominant run blocker. Not the fastest when pulling. Sets up high when he is tired and can be rocked back at times. Only average as a cut blocker. Will whiff completely in pass pro when he is not using his head.
Projection: This season will solidify Pinkston as a third to fourth rounder."
"Jason Pinkston started his collegiate career at Pittsburgh as a defensive tackle. However, by the start of his freshman campaign, the 6-4, 305 pound Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native was moved to the other side of the ball. During his freshman campaign Pinkston was a backup right tackle, and occasionally used as a fullback in short yardage situations. Pinkston started the following year at right tackle again, but only played in three games before suffering a season ending shoulder injury. By 2008 Pinkston was granted another year of eligibility and moved to left tackle. He started all 12 regular season games there, but missed the bowl game because of another injury. Pinkston started 13 games in 2009 and has continued his success into his senior campaign.
Pinkston has paved the way for some great rushers during his career at Pitt. The Panthers' ground game is not doing as well in 2010, but that is in part due to an inexperienced quarterback who is still working out the kinks in the offense. Seven games into the season, Pitt is the lone undefeated team in Big East play and the road to the BCS is going through Pittsburgh for now.
Pinkston is a good talent, but he lacks the traditional height and athleticism of a left tackle in the NFL. It remains to be seen if he is a better fit at right tackle or at guard at the next level. Since he is not a left tackle, he will not likely be a first round selection, but he should be gone by the end of the second round."
Pinkston has paved the way for some great rushers during his career at Pitt. The Panthers' ground game is not doing as well in 2010, but that is in part due to an inexperienced quarterback who is still working out the kinks in the offense. Seven games into the season, Pitt is the lone undefeated team in Big East play and the road to the BCS is going through Pittsburgh for now.
Pinkston is a good talent, but he lacks the traditional height and athleticism of a left tackle in the NFL. It remains to be seen if he is a better fit at right tackle or at guard at the next level. Since he is not a left tackle, he will not likely be a first round selection, but he should be gone by the end of the second round."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Jason Pinkston
When I evaluate any prospect, 1% of it derives from my own analysis of The Tape, and 99% of it is my evaluation of the evaluators: Those guys, quoted and linked, above, whose expertise DWARFS mine.
***
No way in HELL should Jason Pinkston play O Tackle in the Pros.
His lack of Height dictates that, and his lack of Range supports it.
However, his excellent Crouch, his solid Power to drive the Run Game + Strength to Anchor against the Pass Rush, as well as his superior Lateral Agility, strongly suggest that he could become an exceptional O Guard, perhaps even an All Pro. And yet he's projected to go in the 3rd or 4th Round!!
Sleeper!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
***
No way in HELL should Jason Pinkston play O Tackle in the Pros.
His lack of Height dictates that, and his lack of Range supports it.
However, his excellent Crouch, his solid Power to drive the Run Game + Strength to Anchor against the Pass Rush, as well as his superior Lateral Agility, strongly suggest that he could become an exceptional O Guard, perhaps even an All Pro. And yet he's projected to go in the 3rd or 4th Round!!
Sleeper!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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