Connect with us

Pitt Football

Jacksonville Jaguars Select Erick Hallett in Sixth Round of 2023 NFL Draft

Published

on

Erick Hallett kind of flew under the radar during the draft cycle this spring, but he put in a solid performance at Pitt’s Pro Day, kept his down and worked.

And now he’s achieved his dream as the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Hallett with the 208th pick (sixth round) in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hallett is the latest in a long line of Pitt defensive backs to selected in the NFL draft, joining Damarri Mathis, Damar Hamlin, Jason Pinnock, Dane Jackson, Avonte Maddox and Jordan Whitehead in recent years.

Hallett arrived at Pitt as a three-star safety out of Cypress, Texas and got better and better each season — breaking out in 2022 with an All-American campaign.

He was a playmaker in Pitt’s defense last season, recording a team-high six turnovers. His three interceptions and three fumble recoveries (which lead the ACC) point to his nose for the football.

With 47 tackles (34 solo), three tackles for loss, three interceptions, nine pass breakups and two forced fumbles and three recoveries, Hallett’s impact as a leader of the defense — vocally and with his play — was paramount.

In his Pitt career, he recorded 158 tackles (109 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions (including one for a touchdown), 22 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and five recoveries.

He was the MVP of the 2021 ACC championship game, picking off Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman twice, and he chose to end his career at Pitt with a win in the Sun Bowl over UCLA — one of the few senior draftees who didn’t opt out.

“My memories of Pitt are going to be about happiness,” said Hallett. “I came up here not knowing a lot of people, not knowing a lot about the north in general being a Houston guy, a Texas guy, traveling 20+ hours to come up here. It wasn’t the easiness of transitions, but I’d definitely say that my class along with the guys that were already here and guys that came after me welcomed me with open arms. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better brotherhood to be a part of.”

Hallett will now integrate into the Jaguars’ defense, looking to follow the mold of someone like Hamlin or Whitehead and make an impact early as a depth safety.

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Get PSN in your inbox!

Enter your email and get all of our posts delivered straight to your inbox.

 
Like Pittsburgh Sports Now on Facebook!
Send this to a friend