The Houston Texans selected Baylor safety Jalen Pitre in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft at No. 37 overall.
Pitre will join a safety group in Houston that features Eric Murray and Terrence Brooks after it lost Justin Reid in free agency. The 22-year-old didn't surrender a touchdown in coverage throughout his Baylor career, according to PFF. He figures to compete for a starting role in the preseason.
The Texans also took a defensive back in Round 1, picking LSU cornerback Derek Stingley third overall. They used their second pick of the opening round on offensive lineman Kenyon Green.
Scouting profile: Jalen Pitre
| School | Height | Weight | 40 time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor | 5'11 | 198 | DNP |
Pitre's ultimate selling point is his versatility, as he wore multiple hats for Baylor's defense. Most of his work was done in the box, but even that would sell his adaptability short. Pitre was not only able to contribute against the run, but he also set the edge on a few occasions with some blitzing duties mixed in. His instincts made him a menace when dropping into short zones in coverage, and he also added slot work to his resume. Pitre isn't your typical backend safety, but he could be a dynamic playmaker in the box at the next level.
