2011 NFL Draft Player Profile | Jason Pinkston 

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 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.

Player Name: Jason Pinkston

Position: Offensive Tackle

School:  Pittsburgh

Height: 6’3 3/8

Weight: 317

Arm: 34

Hand: 10 1/4

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