NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Ben Arthur
AFC South Reporter
During the pre-draft process, Texans general manager Nick Caserio proclaimed that it would be difficult for an incoming rookie to make a “significant impact” for Houston in 2024.
It was a reasonable statement, considering the team’s construction. The high-profile additions the franchise has made — wide receiver Stefon Diggs, edge rusher Danielle Hunter, running back Joe Mixon, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive lineman Denico Autry — to bolster its C.J. Stroud-led core gives it a top AFC contender on paper. The Texans have a win-now roster for 2024, with few spots up for grabs.
But one Texans rookie is forcing his way into the mix.
Second-round pick Kamari Lassiter shined during Houston’s OTAs, according to local media reports. He held his own against the team’s prolific receivers. A strong rep against Diggs was featured on the team’s X page.
The former Georgia standout appears to be the frontrunner to start at cornerback opposite Derek Stingley Jr.
“What I have seen from Kamari is a guy that has been locked in since day one that he has gotten here,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He is very competitive, he is making plays, he is an instinctive player. I think a lot of guys have been fired up to see what he has been able to do over the past couple weeks.”
Lassiter’s emergence in the offseason program is no small deal for the Texans.
As loaded as they are on both sides of the ball, the secondary has been viewed with uncertainty. Houston allowed 60 explosive receptions (receptions of 20-plus yards) last season, sixth-most in the league, according to Sportradar. They allowed 28 in the last seven weeks of the season, third-most in the NFL. The Texans ranked 23rd in pass defense overall. It didn’t help that starting safety Jimmie Ward missed seven games in 2023 due to injury, while fellow safety Jalen Pitre had an up-and-down year after shining as a rookie.
None of the…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/how-texans-rookie-cb-kamari-lassiter-could-fix-hyped-teams-weakness
Author :
Publish date : 2024-06-11 21:07:39
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
