Miami Football: Where will Hurricanes prospects go in 2020 NFL Draft?
Pick Analysis. Miami. 5. Scouting Report. LB. Michael Pinckney. player. 123
Much like Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney was a starter from the time that he stepped on campus as a freshman in 2016 and was an instant impact player. He was a productive player for the Hurricanes, totaling at least 60 tackles and 2.5 sacks every season, including a career high five sacks his senior year.
Pinckney has more versatility and athleticism than Quarterman on tape, but he did not get to test at the NFL combine or have a pro day so that could cause him to slip a little bit in the NFL draft.
He has really good instincts as a run stopper and blitzer and his best tape might have been in 2018 against Florida State. Pinckney had a big interception on a well read screen play and helped lead the Hurricanes to a big comeback win over the Seminoles.
In the later rounds of the draft, teams are looking for depth and special teams players that could play right away. The Dallas Cowboys will be one of those teams because I think they will focus on the secondary and the receiving corps in the first few rounds and will be looking for linebacker depth. Pinckney fits that spot and can be an instant contributor on special teams.
Projection: Fifth round (No. 164 overall)