3 NFL Draft prospects who could improve 49ers secondary in 2022
By Fred Smith
Baylor. Jalen Pitre. 3. Pick Analysis. Safety. player. 860. Scouting Report
49ers Prospect No. 1: Safety Jalen Pitre (Baylor University)
At 6-foot-0, 197 pounds, Jalen Pitre played the strong safety position with purpose and exclamation during his tenure with the Baylor Bears.
Pitre’s versatility, athleticism, and speed made him a nuisance in the backfield, and a headache to quarterbacks. In his conference last season, the Power 5, he led all defenders in tackles for a loss/no gain with 19. Pitre also recorded a staggering 25 total quarterback pressures in 2021, the most by a defensive back in the Pro Football Focus era since 2014:
Jalen Pitre led all Power 5 defenders in Tackles for No Gain/Loss on runs in 2021 (19)@BUFootball pic.twitter.com/v9f3UV6g1V
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 19, 2022
At the Senior Bowl, when lining up to defend against top receivers, Pitre’s closing speed was praised and highlighted by many scouts and spectators around the league. To go along with his impressive 2021 campaign, he forced two fumbles, deflected seven passes, and caught two picks.
His playstyle and tenacity would be a perfect addition to coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ defense.
Moreover, Pitre would serve as an upgrade from Jaquiski Tartt and also bring more impact plays into the secondary going forward.
Strengths: Physicality, versatility, blitz ability
Weaknesses: A little undersized, the tendency to over-pursue, could improve hip balance