New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock is having a breakout in his third season. Last week, Pinnock made 13 combined tackles against the Arizona Cardinals. This week, he faces the 49ers, whose opponents are averaging more tackles per game than Cardinals opponents average. Niners running back Christian McCaffrey is tough to tackle, and there is a good chance he will be able to slip past the Giants' mediocre linebackers a couple of times, leaving Pinnock to have to play cleanup. Through two weeks, McCaffrey has already made six runs of over 10 yards and three runs of over 15. Pinnock has a chance to make double-digit tackles again this week.
The New York Jets drafted Jason Pinnock as a cornerback in the fifth round last year but converted him to safety toward the end of 2021 out of necessity. Pinnock impressed in the role and finished with six tackles, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup in 175 defensive snaps. The Jets have made his position switch permanent, and it's paying off already. The 23-year-old received the majority of the first-team repetitions next to Jordan Whitehead in offseason workouts with Lamarcus Joyner working his way back from injury. Pinnock looks like he belongs, but he's unlikely to be in contention to retain a starting job once Joyner is healthy. If Pinnock continues to improve, he could wind up being a steal for Gang Green.
