Texans’ Jalen Pitre still considered one of the league’s best safeties despite a tough year

Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre had a down year in 2023. He was a step down from the player who showed All-Pro potential as a rookie in 2022, finishing his sophomore season recording 86 tackles, six tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in 15 games.

Pitre’s worst moment came in the Texans’ 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve. His poor play on the field led coach DeMeco Ryans to bench him in the second half. Although Pitre had a down year, the former Baylor prospect enters the 2024 season still considered one of the best players at his position.

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ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently surveyed NFL executives, coaches and personnel to determine the league’s top 10 safeties heading into the 2024 season. Pitre failed to crack the top 10, but retained the admiration of every voter.

“He’s a good all-around safety. He has a chance to become a great player over time,” Jeremy Fowler said.

Pitre’s goal entering training camp on July 18 is to build on the success he had as a rookie while correcting the mistakes that hampered his play last season. He had an impressive first year, leading Houston in total tackles (147) and interceptions (five). His play earned him a spot on the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Pitre’s introspection during the offseason made him realize he needed to find a way to control his aggression while playing more slick shots in his third campaign with the Texans.

“Sometimes you can get a little derailed, being impatient to make plays,” Pitre said in May. “I try to be calm, collected and composed on the field and be able to do my job and make plays when my number is called.

“I went through a lot of ups and downs last year and I understand my role. I’m trying to build on that. I’m in a great place. I understand what the coaches expect of me and I’m looking forward to year three.”

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Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24.

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