Vanderbilt TE Jared Pinkney missed his mark. A year ago, Pinkney was considered as a potential day one prospect. National draft analyst Todd McShay wrote: “I have Pinkney at No. 22 overall on my latest draft board, and he’s my top-ranked tight end.”
So what happened? After posting 50 catches for 774 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018, Pinkney’s production declined dramatically. As a senior, Pinkney only had 20 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
Pinkney has the athletic profile to be a successful TE2 at the NFL level, with upside. Value is value, and a little competition for the spot behind TE Jonnu Smith never hurt anyone.
Depth along the interior of the offensive line is a good idea to address. Enter Mississipi State’s Tyre Phillips, who has one heck of an anchor. His length rivals that of a tackle, but he projects best at guard, where he can take on heavy defensive tackles in the trenches. He’s incredibly strong at the point of attack and is an asset as a run-blocker in a gap-scheme.
Phillips’ mobility is not a strength, and he can struggle in space. More than anything, he’s another body — a big one at that — and will move the line of scrimmage for you when asked.
Worst-case scenario: Phillips doesn’t make the final 53, and becomes a practice-squad body.
Florida State CB Levonta Taylor was the number one cornerback recruit in the country in 2016.
Taylor is a boom or bust, day three prospect that projects as a nickel corner or free safety at the NFL level, despite his prowess as a lock-down press corner. The issue isn’t whether or not Taylor’s measurables will be enough, or if he can do it, it’s more about mitigating risk; Taylor sustained a back injury in 2018 that has crippled him since.
At number 243 overall, I can afford to take that risk, and I hope Jon Robinson would do the same. Taylor has the potential to be a special player if he can bounce back. He is rumored to have run in the 4.3-4.4 range (40-yard-dash) and is said to have a 40.5 inch vertical.
Taylor is a low risk, high reward prospect.