FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter.
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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kamari Lassiter
Kamari Lassiter (CB – Georgia)
6’0″ – 180 lbs.
Background:
Georgia native and four-star recruit who played sparingly over all 15 games as a true freshman, then took over a starting role once Derion Kendrick went to the NFL. Played opposite Kelee Ringo that year, allowing 32/55 passing (58.2%) for 419 yards, two touchdowns and two breakups. This year, allowed passers to complete just 15/39 throws (38.5%) for 136 yards, with five breakups.
Positives:
Two-year starter whose level of play has increased significantly. Energetic corner who typically lined up in a shuffle technique, but also has some press-man looks as well. Does a little bit of everything in terms of alignment; plays on the left and right sides, and as both the field and boundary corner. Also saw him in the slot vs. Missouri. Plays with a confident, physical, and aggressive temperament. Fast corner with loose hips and smooth movement skills, allowing him to stick with receivers through the stem and carry them downfield from press looks. Nice hand use to feel routes. Has twitchy traits.
Knows how to get physical and pin opponents to the sidelines when defending outside releases on the short side of the field. Route/play recognition skills are advanced. Shows some anticipation when playing in off-coverage, sniffing out routes and screens, and demonstrating the ability to process route combinations from zone. Has relatively clean transitions to driving on a spot, and shows good closing speed. Reads defenders’ eyes well, with pretty good timing to go for the breakup. Willing to come up and get physical with opponents, showing reliable tackling skills and some ability to set the tone with big hits.
Negatives:
Listed at just 180 pounds and will likely have to continue adding bulk at the next level. Would like to see him playing a few more techniques, and backpedaling more often. Can occasionally be caught playing a bit flat-footed from off coverage, trying to aggressively sit on underneath routes. Some snaps in which he’s face-guarding, rather than getting his head around to locate the ball. Actual on-ball production is relatively limited, with seven breakups and no interceptions over the past two years; dropped an interception-worthy throw against Kentucky. Can struggle to absorb contact when taking on stalkers in the run/screen games.
Summary:
May not be quite as toolsy as former teammate Kelee Ringo, but seems to have a more advanced feel for the game, with quicker route recognition skills and cleaner transitions in coverage. Teams should love the energy and competitiveness he brings to the position as well. While he didn’t make a ton of plays on the ball in college, teams really respected him this past season, rarely testing him and enjoying little success when they did. Could be a top-50 pick.
Projection: Round 1-2
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