by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of DawgNation.
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Georgia, Cornerback, Kamari Lassiter
Name- Kamari Lassiter
Pos- Cornerback
Team- Georgia
HT/WT- 6’0” 180 lbs.
Born- 1/23/2003
Home – Savannah, GA
Lassiter attended American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and was a multi-sport athlete who played football, basketball, baseball and ran track. During his high school career, he collected 210 tackles, 10 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles. In addition, he played wide receiver and totaled 2,488 yards and 35 touchdowns. A 4-star recruit, he chose Georgia over Georgia Tech, Auburn and Clemson.
As a freshman in 2021, Lassiter played 15 games as a reserve defensive back and on special teams. He finished the season with 9 tackles and his first career interception. In his sophomore season, he started all 15 games and played across from star cornerback Kelee Ringo. He will be counted on to lead a young secondary in 2023 and be the shutdown cornerback for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Lassiter has quick feet and the athleticism to be effective in man-to-man coverage. He has decent range and tracks the ball well by getting his head turned around towards the quarterback. He has excellent ball skills and catches the ball like a wide receiver.
Lassiter is a capable and willing run stopper. He will not hesitate to step up and disrupt a run towards his side of the field. He is proficient on zone reads and understands what the offenses are trying to do.
On the downside, Lassiter must work on his footwork to be able to cover the smaller, faster receivers of the NFL. If he does not improve his footwork mechanics, NFL teams may only see him as a nickelback type defender. He has average height for the position and has issues at times with larger receivers.
Minnesota Vikings Byron Murphy Jr. is a player that Lassiter plays a lot like. Murphy is a cornerback who is now used as a nickelback and has playmaking ability.
Strengths
Run defense
Athletic
Smart player
Versatility
Weaknesses
Footwork
May be a nickelback
Average height
Struggles against bigger receivers
Final Analysis
Kamari Lassiter is out to prove that he can be a shutdown cornerback at the next level. With Ringo gone, he will be the #1 cornerback in Athens.
Draft 412 Prediction - 2nd or 3rd round