49ers NFL Draft: 4 college prospects who could replace Jaquiski Tartt

49ers Option No. 1: Jalen Pitre, Baylor

Much like Kerby Joseph, Niner Noise has had no shortage of attention given to Baylor defensive back Jalen Pitre, who played both safety and nickel cornerback during his five-year collegiate tenure, which accumulated 195 total tackles, 36 of which were for a loss, eight sacks, four interceptions, 10 passes broken up, two defensive touchdowns and three forced fumbles.

Quite the résumé entering NFL Draft season.

Our friends over at NFL Mocks should also get you fired up about Pitre might have to offer to an NFL team, too:

"The ability to be “position-less” as a defensive back is becoming more and more valuable with the amount of uniquely talented pass catchers coming into the league, and the 2022 NFL Draft is no different. This includes the speed demons in the slot, the massive bodied tight ends and the fleet-footed running backs out of the backfield. Pitre has a rare blend of strength and athleticism for his frame and is able to do well against virtually any assignment. This blend also shows up as a run defender. Pitre consistently brings the pain when he is barreling down on a ball carrier."

In addition to this, Pitre plays relentlessly and offers up a high motor when on the field. If the Niners need to replace Jaquiski Tartt, Pitre can do it. If they need to replace nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams, also a pending free agent, Pitre can help with that, too.

There are some concerns Pitre might rely too much on his instincts rather than technique, and his tweener-type 6-foot, 197-pound frame might be a bit undersized for a strong safety role, thereby pushing his draft stock down towards the end of Round 2, perhaps.

Still, the playmaking skills are there, as is his versatility, and those can sure benefit San Francisco.