Latest news with #KamariLassiter
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL analyst says this Texans defender could be a first-time Pro Bowler in 2025
After a breakout season in the secondary, the Houston Texans have a pair of players with Pro Bowl potential heading into the 2025 season. Calen Bullock, who led the Texans in interceptions with five, has a chance to once again hit the total after an impressive start to training camp. Cornerback Kamari Lassiter, the Texans' No. 2 defensive back, is poised to be one of the rising stars after holding the lowest completion percentage among rookie cornerbacks. Which of the two has a better chance of heading down to Orlando? Kevin Patra believes Lassiter will end up being the name who ends up putting up numbers that prove he's the next big-time defensive back entering 2026. "I know I glowed about Nate Wiggins' rookie season above -- but Lassiter was even better, snagging three interceptions while generating 10 passes defended. Generally, when a rookie is playing opposite an All-Pro like Derek Stingley Jr., we'd expect him to be targeted significantly more, even with help coverage going his way," Prata wrote. "In 2024, Lassiter's target-per-coverage-snap rate sat at 15.0%. Stingley's: 15.1%. That underscores just how suffocating Lassiter was. His -11.5% completion percentage over expected was by far the best among all corners, with no one else at the position cracking double digits (the Cardinals' Garrett Williams was No. 2 at -8.6%). Lassiter's -7.8 receptions over expected also ranked No. 1 among all corners (minimum of 300 coverage snaps). The knock on Lassiter was the four TDs allowed (which cut into his EPA numbers), but the rookie consistently forced tough throws from QBs and made plays on the ball when given the chance. In a fierce DeMeco Ryans defense, the corner can grow even more in 2025." The Texans take on the Carolina Panthers this Saturday in preseason game No. 2. It's unclear if fans making their way to NRG Stadium will see Lassiter in action, along with the rest of the Texans' starters. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: NFL analyst says this Texans defender should be a Pro Bowler in 2025
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Houston Texans Cornerback Revealed as Team's ‘Most Promising Building Block'
Houston Texans Cornerback Revealed as Team's 'Most Promising Building Block' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The future of the Houston Texans may not run through quarterback C.J. Stroud, but rather one of their young defensive stars. Advertisement In a recent Bleacher Report article, NFL writer Moe Moton suggested that the team's 'most promising building block entering 2025' was second year cornerback Kamari Lassiter. "In the Houston Texans' cornerback room, All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. is the star, and Kamari Lassiter is the budding building block. They're arguably the league's best boundary duo." Moton wrote. Before being selected 42nd overall by the Texans in the 2024 NFL Draft, Lassiter was a standout at the University of Georgia. He appeared in 44 games for the Bulldogs over three seasons (2021-'23), registering 86 tackles (60 solo), 15 pass breakups and one interception. Advertisement In his first year with the Texans, Lassiter excelled, recording 58 tackles (42 solo), three interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Expectations will be high for the cornerback in his second-year. Houston Texans corner back Kamari Lassiter (4) celebrates an interceptionTroy Taormina-Imagn Images "Lining up opposite Stingley in the secondary, Lassiter could see more targets in the upcoming year, which may result in an increased number of takeaways." Moton suggested. "Though it's too early to consider Lassiter a ball hawk, he's shown the ability to become one in coverage. The 6'0", 180-pound cover man is also consistent, allowing a 64 passer rating and a 43.8 percent completion rate in coverage." "Performing at that level, Lassiter could follow in Stingley's footsteps, earning a market-setting extension after three seasons of quality play." he concluded. Advertisement Lassiter, Stingley Jr. and the rest of the Texans will begin their march towards a third consecutive postseason when training camp officially opens on July 22nd. Related: Texans' Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. Ranked Among Best Pass-Rush Duos Entering 2025 Season Related: Texans Legend J.J. Watt Catches Attention with Major Announcement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texans Cornerback Duo Ranked as NFL's Best Entering 2025
Texans Cornerback Duo Ranked as NFL's Best Entering 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Entering the 2025 season, the Houston Texans are expected to have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Among that defense, is a secondary, led by a pair of cornerbacks, that gave opposing offensive coordinators fits last season. Advertisement Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently published an article ranking the league's 10 best cornerback duos ahead of the 2025 season. Atop the list was Houston's Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. "The Houston Texans' cornerback duo takes the top spot because they check all the boxes next to consistency, ball production, accolades and upside." Moton wrote. Last season, Stingley Jr. and Lassiter combined for eight interceptions, 28 passes defended, and 112 total tackles. "At least for now, Derek Stingley Jr. is the highest-paid CB. He's making the megabucks for good reason, allowing a completion rate below 48 percent with five interceptions in consecutive seasons." Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) participates in a drillMaria Lysaker-Imagn Images Lassiter, a second-round pick out of Georgia in the 2024 NFL Draft, enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign last fall. Advertisement "At Georgia, Lassiter took on a versatile role, but he settled in as a boundary cornerback in Houston. He was a season-opening starter and looked natural on the outside. He recorded 10 pass breakups, three interceptions and scored on a safety in 14 games." Lassiter also bested his All-Pro teammate in one category last season. "Though Stingley matches up against the league's top receivers, it's worth noting Lassiter allowed a lower completion rate (43.8) than his All-Pro teammate (47.1) last season." Moton wrote. As a result of Lassiter and Stingley's play, the Texans' defense led the NFL holding opponents to a 58.27 completion percentage, and finished second behind the Minnesota Vikings (24) with 19 interceptions. Advertisement "The Texans have the league's best secondary when you factor in safeties Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre and versatile defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but they also have the best young cornerback duo with Stingley and Lassiter on the boundary." Related: Veteran WR Christian Kirk Reveals Texans Ceiling with QB C.J. Stroud Related: Texans' Will Anderson Jr. Among Favorites to Match J.J. Watt in Rare Feat This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
05-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans Kamari Lassiter sneaks onto Pro Football Focus' top 32 CBs list for 2025
Texans Kamari Lassiter sneaks onto Pro Football Focus' top 32 CBs list for 2025 Kamari Lassiter set the tone for No. 2 cornerbacks during his rookie season with the Houston Texans. Some could argue he was the top rookie defensive back after shutting down quality No. 2 receivers like Chicago's Rome Odunze and Los Angeles' Quinten Johnston in the playoffs. Does Pro Football Focus agree? Not entirely. While the former second-round pick made the list of the top 32 cornerbacks in the league for this fall, he appeared at No. 31, just one spot higher than Dallas Cowboys star Daron Bland. "There were several great rookie seasons in 2024, and Lassiter's was arguably right behind those of Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell," PFF's John Kosko wrote. "He ranked third among rookies in PFF advanced coverage grade and 15th among all cornerbacks. He also led the NFL with a 45.2% completion rate allowed." Drafted 42nd overall last season, Lassiter arguably was the best rookie defender in his class. According to The 33rd team, from Week 9 on, the former Georgia standout did not allow more than 50 yards in coverage in a game. He also forced two interceptions, a 50% completion rate and only gave up 21.7 yards per outing. In 16 games, Lassiter totaled three interceptions, a safety, 10 pass breakups and only allowed a 54.4% completion rating. He and third-round pick Calen Bullock became staples in coverage, helping Houston win a second straight AFC South division title and postseason victory. Philadelphia's Cooper DeJean ranked 11th and led all rookie cornerbacks while his teammate, Quinyon Mitchell, ranked inside the top 20 at No. 16. The Texans open the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 7.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texans CB Kamari Lassiter impressing in early stages of OTAs
Kamari Lassiter might be ready for a Pro Bowl season and join his All-Pro counterpart Derek Stingley Jr. in the spotlight this fall. Lassiter, the Houston Texans' second-year No. 2 cornerback, set the tone as the No. 42 pick in last year's draft, totaling 11 pass breakups and three interceptions. He arguably was the best rookie corner in the league while helping Houston produce a top 10 secondary and a second consecutive AFC South division title. Advertisement Offseason team activities might be overblown in the public eye, but Lassiter is living up to expecations once more. Last year, he caught everyone's attention winning his one-on-one battles against All-Pro Stefon Diggs. He did the same thing during team drills while guarding Pro Bowler Nico Collins during seven-on-seven drills. He broke up a pair of passes with Davis Mills under center in stride with the two-time 1,000-yard receiver. Lassiter also broke a pass intended for John Metchie III when lined up inside. Everyone, including teammates, is paying close attention to his growth, along with teammate and defensive back Calen Bullock. 'It is fun watching them. They love football, they are passionate about it," Will Anderson said following practice. "You hear Kamari slapping his helmet. You hear Calen running to him. That is what you need on a defense like this. We play an attack style defense, and we have two attackers in the backend that don't mind getting their hands dirty.' Advertisement Lassiter is only 20 percent of the secondary that could lead the NFL in takeaways this fall. Stingley, who recently became the highest-paid defensive back after his dominant season, will line up on the opposing side. Bullock will have a new running mate after Houston traded former first-round pick Kenyon Green to Philadelphia in exchange for do-it-all safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Texans also have back a fully healthy Jalen Pitre, who arguably was the most improved player last season, will command respect in the nickel position. If Lassiter's success in OTAs can carry over to Week 1's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Houston could be more than just a good front seven and a promising roster that continues to win division titles. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans CB Kamari Lassiter impressing in early stages of OTAs
