Chiefs can find much-needed secondary help through cornerback prospect
The Kansas Chiefs have a need that is very apparent after the big free agency period. Trading away Tyreek Hill only leaves people believing more and more that they will take a receiver in the first round. However, they now have two first-round picks, in which they are back-to-back. While one pick may or may […]
The Kansas Chiefs have a need that is very apparent after the big free agency period. Trading away Tyreek Hill only leaves people believing more and more that they will take a receiver in the first round. However, they now have two first-round picks, in which they are back-to-back.
While one pick may or may not be used on an offensive weapon, another should definitely be used on defense. The Chiefs have been ignoring the fact that they need a shutdown corner for years now. Well, with these pair of picks, they have their chance to address the situation.
Kansas City is in dire need of help at corner. They have lost a few pieces in the defensive backfield this offseason and this player could help improve that.
Chiefs should look at CB Jalen Pitre
The Baylor cornerback had an outstanding 2021 season in Waco, Texas. The stats don't lie when it comes to Pitre.
In 2021, Pitre saw a lot more playing time on defense compared to 2020. He played 909 snaps played and most of them came in the slot. 2021's snap count was almost 400 more than it was in 2020, thus allowing him to show off his skill set on a more frequent basis.
Out of those snap numbers, 431 of them were in coverage. Last year Pitre gave up 31 receptions on 54 targets. He gave up 268 receiving yards through those 31 receptions. Some of these numbers aren't great, but he has shown the potential for improvement at the next level.
In his three years of college football, Pitre has only tallied four total interceptions. While that may seem bad, there is another stat that somewhat makes up for it. In that same amount of time, the Baylor cornerback has never allowed a touchdown in college.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jalen Pitre received an overall grade of 88.6 in 2021 after receiving a grade of 82.7 in 2020. His coverage grade this last year ranks well above average at 78.7, while his run defense grade is at 92.
Jalen Pitre still has a lot to work on, but can be a steal if the Chiefs get him. They desperately need more corners they can develop into guys who shut down their opponent, and Jalen Pitre could be just that at the next level with some time.
Featured image credit via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
