Discuss. Profile:
Pipkins was a two-year starter at Apple Valley High School in the Twin Cities area before signing with the Cougars. He played in 10 games as a reserve lineman as a redshirt freshman. After a sophomore campaign where he was named second-team All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference at left tackle, Pipkins was voted the team's Most Improved Player. He started all 12 games at left tackle in 2017, allowing just one sack and again earning second-team all-NSIC accolades. Pipkins was also an academic all-conference performer as a junior. His play in 10 starts at left tackle as a senior resulted in his finishing third in the voting for the Gene Upshaw Award (top lineman in D2) and being named first-team Division II All-American by the Associated Press and first-team All-NSIC by league coaches.
Overview
Developmental tackle prospect who offers NFL-caliber size, length and athletic ability for teams willing to work out the technique kinks. Pipkins has quick feet but needs to prove he can gain adequate depth with his initial pass slides in order to work to his set points against edge speed. He has Day 3 draft potential, but the jump in competition makes him a likely practice squad candidate early on.
Pipkins was a two-year starter at Apple Valley High School in the Twin Cities area before signing with the Cougars. He played in 10 games as a reserve lineman as a redshirt freshman. After a sophomore campaign where he was named second-team All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference at left tackle, Pipkins was voted the team's Most Improved Player. He started all 12 games at left tackle in 2017, allowing just one sack and again earning second-team all-NSIC accolades. Pipkins was also an academic all-conference performer as a junior. His play in 10 starts at left tackle as a senior resulted in his finishing third in the voting for the Gene Upshaw Award (top lineman in D2) and being named first-team Division II All-American by the Associated Press and first-team All-NSIC by league coaches.
Overview
Developmental tackle prospect who offers NFL-caliber size, length and athletic ability for teams willing to work out the technique kinks. Pipkins has quick feet but needs to prove he can gain adequate depth with his initial pass slides in order to work to his set points against edge speed. He has Day 3 draft potential, but the jump in competition makes him a likely practice squad candidate early on.
Strengths
- Athletic build with long limbs and room for more weight
- Pass sets have NFL potential with adequate balance, anchor and foot quickness
- Quick sets out on top of edge rushers to land pre-emptive strike
- Plays with good knee-bend to bolster body control during mirror
- Sudden power step inside to cut-off inside moves
- Enough early lateral quickness to have a shot at NFL reach blocks
- Strong, clenching hands provide for longer block sustains
- Finisher who keeps grinding on opponents until he hears the whistle
- Praised by scouts for high character and football intelligence
Weaknesses
- Wasn't asked to take many pass sets at NFL depths
- Hip tightness limits ability to gain desired depth with initial kick-slides
- Initial hands are chronically outside proper target areas
- Inconsistent hand placement allows defenders to slide away
- Falls back on size and athletic ability over technique against lesser competition
- Inconsistent keeping opponent centered and in front of him
- Needs to drop pads and widen base for leverage as drive blocker
- Can improve timing and rhythm on work-up blocks
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