Raiders: 5 prospects to watch during 2022 Senior Bowl week
Raiders: 5 prospects to watch during 2022 Senior Bowl week
Jalen Pitre: Safety, Baylor
The Raiders drafted Johnathan Abram in 2019 to be the safety closer to the line of scrimmage, but it has not exactly panned out thus far. The injuries are beginning to pile up, and in terms of coverage, he just can’t be trusted at the moment. With that being the case, Las Vegas should look to find more depth at the position or a possible replacement if they really feel the need to do so.
Baylor’s Jalen Pitre is the type of player that could fit that role if it comes to a replacement. Pitre is coming off a tremendous season for the Bears, where he was named an AP All-American and won a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Pitre is at his best when he’s close to the line of scrimmage, where he is a great run defender despite his size (5’10, 196lbs). Pitre was number one in run stops among safeties, according to PFF.
In coverage, he can be the underneath defender and middle-of-the-field robber that uses his great instincts to make plays on the ball. The Senior Bowl will also be a good opportunity for Pitre to show if he can play deep, increasing his draft stock.
However, if Gus is retained, he can already be a cover 3 hook/curl player in Bradley’s scheme for the Raiders. And if not, he has enough versatility to provide value in another system. In 2021, Pitre finished with 75 tackles (59 solos), 18.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 2 Ints, 7 PDs, and 3 FFs. This guy just finds his way to the ball and consistently makes plays.
(video courtesy of Prospects)