5 early options for the Vikings in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft

Jalen Pitre – S (Baylor)

Safety is another big need for the Vikings and one that could be addressed at any point in the draft. Cam Bynum showed potential to be a starter next year, but Harrison Smith’s time as a Viking is entering its final voyage. The team needs to find his replacement and that could come at pick No. 46 in the form of a Baylor safety named Jalen Pitre.

Pitre finished his Baylor career with an amazing two-year run, where he racked up 135 tackles, 29.6 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, and six sacks. The guy was used all over the field and in various roles, lining up at safety, corner, and even a touch at linebacker. The dude is the ultimately Swiss Army Knife type of defender, and teams will love that kind of versatility.

Pitre was impressive as expected at the Combine, having a 35-inch vertical jump, a 4.18-second time in the 20-yard shuttle, and a 6.74-second time in the 3-cone drill. What is even more impressive than his athletic ability, is his football intelligence, and his ability to read what the quarterback is going to do. He uses this to his advantage, leading to many of his game-changing plays.

Pitre’s ultimate role in the NFL remains to be seen, but the Vikings could get huge value for the versatile defender at pick No. 46 and figure out how to best use him in mini-camp.