The New York Jets continued their Saturday defensive renovations through a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.
With the 175th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets chose Pittsburgh cornerback Jason Pinnock, their third consecutive defensive selection.
New York obtained the pick through a trade with the defending conference champion Kansas City Chiefs that also earned them the 207th selection (while sending over the 162nd and 226th picks).
Pinnock played four seasons at Pitt, earning 54 tackles, 19 pass breakups, and six interceptions. The Windsor, CT native stands at 6’0 and weighs in at 205. Scouting reports say he needs work in man coverage but his athleticism and physicality should help him find a role.
Jason Pinnock was drafted with pick 175 of round 5 in the 2021 draft class. He scored a 9.78 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 41 out of 1790 CB from 1987 to 2021. https://t.co/gmOtd2iNBc #RAS #Jets pic.twitter.com/oKx0RGpdK6
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) May 1, 2021
Pinnock has worked through the draft process with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, as he was not invited to partake in events like the Senior Bowl in Mobile. He instead impressed scouts with a strong showing at Pitt’s pro day.
“There are a lot of things I think I should have been invited to, but wasn’t. Whether that’s politics or whatever. It was definitely somewhat disappointing,” Pinnock said in a report from Jerry DiPaola of The Tribune-Review. He believes that Panthers defensive coordinator Paul Bates used him well and allowed him to showcase a variety of skills.
“I feel like I’ve done a lot. I thank coach Bates every day for it,” he said. “Safety, outside linebacker on third-down packages, drop middle of the field, blitz off the edge, slot, jammer, even snuck in some gunner reps (special teams).”
Pinnock now joins Jamien Sherwood and Michael Carter II as the Jets’ defensive picks on Saturday, creating three consecutive secondary picks.
The Jets’ next selection in the 2021 NFL Draft will be the 186th overall choice, their regularly scheduled sixth-round choice.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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