Summary

Jalen Pitre was selected in the 2nd Round (#37 Overall) in the 2022 Draft out of Baylor University. Pitre is one of the more intriguing young defensive backs in the NFL thanks to his hybrid skill set. He offers a combination of high‑end instincts, physicality, and versatility that allows him to play multiple roles in a defense. He shines when patrolling short to intermediate zones, attacking the run or the screen game, and blitzing from unexpected spots. On the flip side, there are limitations—primarily size, deep coverage speed, and man coverage on elite receivers—that temper his ceiling. In the right scheme he has the potential to be a full‑time impact starter; if the limitations become too pronounced, he may settle into a premium sub‑package role.

Strengths

• Instincts & play recognition: Pitre is often praised for his “sixth‑sense” of where the play is going and his ability to beat blocks or angles because he reads formations and flow quickly. He shows excellent anticipation in zone coverage and in run support—he often arrives at the right spot ahead of the ball. SicEm365

• Versatility / multi‑role usage: He can line up as a nickel, a strong safety, or an “in‑the‑box” defender, and has been used as a blitzer, edge defender and slot cover. Because he can defend the run, defend passes underneath, and blitz, he gives defensive coordinators flexibility. NFL Draft Buzz

• Run‑support & tackling in space Pitre excels when plays bust outside or in space: he can pursue sideline to sideline, make open‑field tackles, and disrupt screens or perimeter runs. He shows physicality beyond his size, often playing bigger than his frame. NFL Draft Buzz

• Ball skills & turnover potential: He has shown the ability to make plays on the ball—interceptions, deflections, and disruptive plays via blitz. His ability to convert run‑support or blitz opportunities into tackle‑for‑loss or pressure gives him a higher upside than many pure safeties. draftdive.com

Weaknesses

• Size / physical limitations for certain roles: At ~200 lbs and 6′0″, Pitre is considered undersized for some heavy‑box or true linebacker roles. He can be at a disadvantage when asked to shed large blocks or anchor in heavy power‑run situations. NFL Draft Buzz

• Deep coverage / elite man coverage limitations: While excellent in short‑to‑intermediate zones, his top‑end straight‑line speed and deep‑coverage ability are not elite—he may struggle to match up against the fastest WRs in pure man on the boundary. NFL Draft Buzz

• Block‑shedding & handling length/strength matchups: Because of his size and frame, there are times where he is “a step slow” to disengage from blockers, or gets driven back when engaged by strong OL or lead blockers. NFL Draft Buzz

• Tween‑hybrid fit risk: Considered a “tweener”—not quite a full‑time safety, not quite a linebacker—so his optimal role may require scheme creativity rather than defaulting him into an off‑the‑shelf position. draftdive.com

Fit & Outlook

Pitre thrives in a defense that uses modern interchangeable defenders—someone who can roam near the line, drop into short‑zone coverage, blitz, and support the run. Schemes that demand him cover deep areas one‑on‑one or anchor heavy power runs may reduce his impact. In the near term, expect Pitre to be a key starter at safety/hybrid role who will see a lot of snaps on nickel, sub‑package, box‑support, and blitz‑heavy downs. Over time, if he continues to develop, he could be a full‑time Pro Bowl‑caliber “star” safety/hybrid linebacker. Pitre is well on his way to becoming a premier defensive playmaker who impacts the run, forces turnovers, and aligns almost as a third linebacker in sub‑packages while still covering well—think of a modern elite hybrid defender. At worst, he’s a highly valuable sub‑package defender and nickel/safety combo who excels in specific roles (run support, blitz packages, short‑zone coverage) but doesn’t become a complete every‑down star.