Baylor Ex Jalen Pitre On Joining Texans: 'God Had A Plan For Me'
Baylor was once again well represented in the NFL Draft last week, when the Houston Texans selected former Bears safety, Jalen Pitre, with their No. 37 selection of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The first Bear taken in the draft, Pitre now joins LSU's Derek Stingley Jr. in what is quickly becoming one of the most talented young secondaries in the league.
Jalen Pitre
Jalen Pitre
Jalen Pitre
"It's a blessing to be here with the hometown team," Pitre said when speaking to the media following his draft selection. "Yesterday, I was pretty sad that I didn't get picked early. But God had a plan for me. I have a great coach in Lovie Smith now."
Pitre models his game after veterans Budda Baker and Tyrann Mathieu. Both players established themselves as some of the NFL's top tacklers at their position — and Pitre is a prominent replica.
In five seasons at Baylor, Pitre recorded 195 tackles with 140 solo hits and 8.0 sacks. Pitre began his college career as a linebacker before converting to safety in 2020.
Derek Stingley Jr.
Derek Stingley Jr.
Kenyon Green
Pitre is the second Houston native the Texans landed during the draft. The Texans' first hometown prospect came at pick No. 15 by the selection of offensive lineman Kenyon Green.
"Your support system is as important as anything because when these players transition, they're going to deal with a lot," general manager Nick Caserio said. "They're going to have to trust the people in our building to help enhance their overall experience as a player.
"The fact that there is a geographical element involved, it's more coincidence probably more than anything else.”
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