The Houston Texans have a secret weapon on defense. He plays in coverage, tackles like a linebacker and closes on balls against tight ends and slot receivers to force pass breakups.
In a sense, the role of Jalen Pitre is one of the more underrated parts of the Texans’ defense. Ever since moving into the slot, Houston’s defense has yielded immaculate results en route to three playoff berths and two division titles under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Pitre, a former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year for Baylor, does everything at a high-end level. In fact, if one were to look at the Texans’ depth chart, there’s only one slot defender listed. The reason? No one plays at the level of Pitre in both run defense and pass coverage.
While it’s a blessing for the Texans, the position flexibility actually seems to hurt Pitre’s case in the grand scheme of votes among safeties. Granted, he’s not a safety since he plays closer to the line than even names like Los Angeles Chargers’ ace Derwin James. He’s also not a cornerback since, more often than ever, the first assignment is to play the run.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler once again conducted his annual top 10 player list for every positional group in the NFL. For safeties, Pro Bowler Calen Bullock made the cut at No. 10, while Pitre, who earned first-team All-Pro votes last year, was the first name off the list.
“He’s a nickel but can play safety. Don’t think he gets nearly enough credit,” an NFC scout told Fowler. “Would love to have him.”
Regardless of position, Pitre is consistent. Over the past three seasons, the former second-round pick has notched over 220 tackles, 25 pass breakups, five interceptions and a sack. He’s also been one of the league’s better run defenders among nickel position players.
If the list included a nickel defender department, Pitre would likely be top three overall. James would earn the top spot, while Seattle Seahawks breakout rookie Nick Emmanwori probably would rank second. Still, it’s impressive to see the respect given to a player without a full-time position making a full-time impact.
To read who the nine other safeties are ahead of Bullock and Pitre, click here.
The Texans’ rookies report for training camp next week. Veterans will report on July 28.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans star DB Jalen Pitre just misses cut as top 10 safety by NFL execs, coaches
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
