Sam Pinckney 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Rated the No. 18 prospect in South Carolina for the Class of 2018
• Recorded high school career totals of 2,678 yards and 26 touchdowns
• Two-sport high school athlete (football and basketball)

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Triple option/RPO hybrid
• 2022 projected role: Starting outside receiver 

Pros: After spending four years at Georgia State, Sam Pinckney transferred to Coastal Carolina. There are similarities between his game and Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. If you’re a fan of big-body wide receivers that play above the rim, Pinckney is your guy! Not only is he a high-riser, but he properly uses his frame to box out and shield DBs from the ball. He is a threat to rise above and “Moss” defenders at the catch point. The combination of his long arms, timing, and body control makes him a reliable jump-ball threat. He does a good job tracking the ball and making adjustments in the air. An impressive strong-handed receiver, he prefers to pluck the ball with his hands rather than letting the ball get into his frame. Pinckney is a good and physical blocker in the run game. He seeks out his defender before sealing them off. His bread and butter will be in the short to intermediate game. He seals defenders with his frame and breaks on inside routes.

Cons: Health is a concern with the Chanticleers’ new wide receiver. Sam Pinckney has missed time with knee (season-ending), foot, and lower-body injuries. Speed and explosiveness are concerns for Pinckney—he is able to win on deep route concepts with positioning and leaping ability. 2021 was the worst statistical season of his career, mostly plagued by inadequate quarterback play. There are questions regarding his ability to win outside of the contested-catch situations. He will benefit from better breaks out of his routes to generate more separation and space for his quarterback. As a result, this will increase his options to win at the next level. I would love to see more versatility with his alignment, as 95% of his snaps came from a wide alignment. His big frame would work well against zone coverage and in the quick passing game.

Sam Pinckney NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson