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NFL Draft: 4 tight ends to watch in Week 1 of the CFB season

By Dan Matney

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 27: Jared Pinkney #80 of the Vanderbilt Commodores runs the ball during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 27: Jared Pinkney #80 of the Vanderbilt Commodores runs the ball during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 27: Jared Pinkney #80 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 27: Jared Pinkney #80 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Vanderbilt tight end is one of the most complete tight ends in the class. He very likely would’ve been a Day 2 pick had he declared last season and he has plenty of momentum heading into his final season.

He’s a good athlete that has impressive balance and speed for the position. Pinkney has the quickness to create separation in man coverage. He’s really quick coming off of the snap and gets up to speed quickly.

Pinkney brings versatility and can move all over the field. He’s generally used in line, but he brings playmaking ability from the slot and split out wide.

He’s a fluid route runner that displays quickness in and out of his breaks. Pinkney finds success on slants, corners and drag, and can also create plays running vertically down the seam. He has strong hands and strength at the catch point. The ball gets into his pads from time-to-time but he generally secures it with his hands and can climb the ladder on jump balls.

Pinkney is physical after the catch and is a load to bring down in the open field. He has deceptive shiftiness with the ball in his hands and does a nice job keeping his momentum forward when he’s going to the ground.

As a blocker, Pinkney is physical and can hold his own one-on-one at the point-of-attack. He possesses a quick, powerful punch and can sustain once he’s engaged. He’s an effective combo blocker that makes key blocks at the 2nd level to create for running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn.

His matchup against Georgia will be a key test for him, specifically in the passing game. Pinkney already showed he could hold up as a run blocker against their talented front, but a concussion took him out of the game prematurely and limited his production to just one catch.

Pinkney is going to be one of the first tight ends off the board in the 2020 Draft, but a productive performance to kick off the season could create some first-round buzz for the fifth-year senior.

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