Patriots: Here’s why Michael Pinckney could be a key addition for NE
The Patriots signed former Miami LB Michael Pinckney on Friday.
Everyone’s ears should be on the ground each time the New England Patriots make a low-key addition to their roster. Head coach Bill Belichick constantly finds gems and often times you can’t tell the difference between the team’s backups and practice squad promotions — the “Do Your Job” philosophy runs deep in Foxborough.
So when the Patriots signed former Miami Hurricanes linebacker Michael Pinckney on Friday, fans should be ready to learn about his background and how he can contribute to the defense.
Pickney, who went undrafted this year after undergoing hip surgery, started all four of his years in college and was an All-Freshman selection in 2016 after recording 33 tackles (7.5 for a loss), 2.5 sacks and an interception across 13 games. He finished his college career with 139 tackles (42 for a loss), 14.5 sacks, three interceptions, and eight passes defended.
Patriots sign LB Michael Pinckney to the practice squad; Release DL Xavier Williams from the practice squad: https://t.co/ECcMGLzMNO
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 2, 2020
Pinckney was the second “mystery man” at practice this week, with an offensive lineman wearing No. 67 as the first on Thursday. We still don’t think we know who that was.
Nonetheless, the former Miami linebacker, who is listed at 6-1 and 220 pounds, is similar in size to fellow rookie Kyle Dugger (the Patriots’ first selection in the 2020 draft) and Adrian Phillips. Dugger, who played safety in college, has played the “hybrid” safety-linebacker role this year, while Phillips, who was primarily a safety with the Chargers, has played a ton of linebacker.
Perhaps Pinckney will be used in a similar role as the Patriots enter an “all hands on deck” week on the defensive side of the ball with an incoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on the docket.
Hurricane in the forecast: The Patriots hosted free-agent LB Michael Pinkney (Miami) for COVID testing and an eventual workout.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 28, 2020
Pinkney finished his college career with 267 tackles, 42 TFLs, 14.5 sacks and 3 INTs. Has reportedly been recovering from hernia and detached labrum.
Pinckney was unable to participate at the NFL combine due to his injuries, so all the stat heads out there will have to do without his 40-yard dash time, but this could be a coup for Belichick and the Pats. His best statistical year came during his senior season, though the Hurricanes fully fell off the map in 2018 and 2019. Throw in the injuries and it’s no wonder Pinckney was overlooked.
The man hits hard, never stops hustling, and lines up all over the field, which is exactly what Belichick looks for in a linebacker. And with the team taking it slow with Josh Uche, they could use some depth at the position.
Enjoy those highlights. The 22-year-old looks like he could be an intriguing component of the Patriots defense as the unit looks to get back on track after an uncharacteristic start to 2020.
