The Houston Texans boast one of the most talent-laden secondaries in the NFL. It has four top-100 draft picks and another player who is a Super Bowl champion. But Texans 2024 second-rounder Kamari Lassiter is in the spotlight.
Lassiter, who had 58 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions as a rookie for the Texans in 2024.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton called Lassiter the Texans’ “most promising building block.”
“As a standout at Georgia, Lassiter registered one interception in three collegiate terms; he logged that takeaway in his 2021 freshman campaign. Yet Lassiter recorded three interceptions along with 10 pass breakups in his rookie season,” Moton wrote on July 5. “Lining up opposite [Derek] Stingley in the secondary, Lassiter could see more targets in the upcoming year, which may result in an increased number of takeaways.
“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,” Moton wrote.
Stingley signed a three-year, $90 million contract extension with the Texans in March. He was coming off a career third season with the club, with 54 total stops, 18 pass deflections, and 5 INTs, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Lassiter is not alone in making a strong early impression on the Texans.
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans Praises Kamari Lassiter
GettyKamari Lassiter #4 and Calen Bullock #21 of the Houston Texans react after an interception against the Indianapolis Colts.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Lassiter and fellow 2025 draftee Calen Bullock, the No. 78 overall pick. They stepped into contributing roles right away. Ryans also expects the same from 2025 picks Jayden Higgins (No. 34) and Jaylin Noel (No. 79) this season.
“Rookies like Kamari and Calen, watching them last year in these settings, watching how they competed, watching how they just their impact showed instantly. They showed up, they were making plays, and you see how those guys performed throughout the season,” Ryans told reporters in June.
“I think we have a similar situation this year with some of the rookie wide receivers in Noel and Higgins. Just seeing their immediate impact on our offense, the plays that they’re making. Seeing the way they work, the way they compete, I’m hoping that translates to the season as well. Similar to Kamari and Calen, I think Jaylen and Jayen are two guys who can really help us out this year.”
Bullock logged 54 combined stops, 11 deflections, and 5 picks as a rookie. He also joined Lassiter in recovering 1 fumble for the Texans.
Texans Could Have NFL’s ‘Best’ CB Duo
GettyDerek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans celebrates with Kamari Lassiter #4 after making an interception against the Miami Dolphins.
The Texans ranked sixth against the pass and in overall defense and second in interceptions. The Texans also led the NFL in completion percentage allowed, and Lassiter was a key part of that.
He has given them a fine bookend for Stingley.
“In the Houston Texans’ cornerback room, All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. is the star, and Kamari Lassiter is the budding building block,” Moton wrote. “They’re arguably the league’s best boundary duo.”
Moreover, Jalen Pitre is back to man the nickel spot. Rookie third-round pick Jaylin Smith is also on hand. With former Las Vegas Raiders first-rounder Damon Arnette adding intrigue, the Texans are deep at CB.
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