The Green Bay Packers are changing their defense this offseason. Kamari Lassiter, a cornerback, is considered a perfect fit for the team's new style in the 2024 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen listed 20 prospects he thinks are perfect fits for specific teams before the draft. One of those was Kamari Lassiter for the Packers. Lassiter was mentioned by Bowen as a great fit for the Packers with the 41st pick. Washington Commanders and Malik Nabers to the New York Giants.
Bowen also mentioned Lassiter as a perfect fit for the Packers with the 41st pick.
“ESPN’s Matt Bowe Xavier McKinney in free agency,” Bowen wrote. “Lassiter, who did not allow a touchdown as the nearest defender in coverage last season, is a fit in a Packers defense that will adjust its coverage tendencies under new coordinator Jeff Hafley.”
Kamari Lassiter Scouting Report
If the Packers want another cornerback, Lassiter could make sense as a Day 2 prospect.
Lassiter was a 4-star recruit when he graduated from high school in Alabama. Instead of going to his hometown school, Alabama, he chose to play for their rival, the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC.
Lassiter started playing for the Bulldogs as a freshman in a backup role. By his final year, he played in 44 games, made 86 total tackles, and broke up 14 passes. He also won two national titles and was selected as a second-team All-SEC player in 2023.
Lassiter is over 5’11” and weighs 186 pounds, which is good size for a cornerback. He is consistently successful in press coverage, using his physicality to disrupt receivers. He also has good instincts, allowing him to anticipate plays and read quarterbacks' eyes effectively in zone coverage.
But there are concerns about Lassiter’s top speed. Despite conflicting reports about his 40-yard dash time at Georgia's pro day, some feel that he may lack the speed to keep up with fast NFL wideouts.
Still, because of his physicality and instincts, Lassiter would be a great choice for a team like the Packers on Day 2 of the draft.
Do the Packers Need a Cornerback?
Even though Lassiter seems like a great fit, cornerback is not the most urgent position for the Packers.
Jaire Alexander hopes to have a better season after a tumultuous 2023. After being suspended for defying orders in a coin toss against the Carolina Panthers, Alexander became a hero in the playoffs with a critical interception against the Dallas Cowboys.
Brian Gutekunst shut down the possibility of the Packers trading Alexander this offseason. With new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley taking over, Alexander could return to being a standout in Green Bay’s defense.
The main question on the depth chart is who will play alongside Alexander. Keisean Nixon is expected to take the slot corner position after signing a three-year, $18 million extension.
The other outside corner spot will likely be a competition between Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine. Stokes showed promise as a rookie, but has struggled with injuries. Meanwhile, Valentine showed determination and playmaking ability throughout the year despite being a seventh-round rookie.
Corey Ballentine will mainly play on special teams, but he performed well when he was needed to play as a corner last season. The Packers might need a backup slot corner, but they have enough depth on the outside, so they might wait until later in the draft for a cornerback, which is not in line with the expectations of national media outlets.
