Could Falcons Draft 'Versatile' Georgia Cornerback Kamari Lassiter?
For the second offseason in a row, the Atlanta Falcons spent heavily in free agency, this time focusing on improving their offense. The signings of quarterback Kirk Cousins, receiver Darnell Mooney, and even the trade for Rondale Moore were all moves that filled needs on the Falcons roster.
However, despite last season's defensive improvement under then-coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the Falcons still have needs on that side of the ball. Yet, with just over $3 million in available cap space remaining, it seems unlikely that they'll make any more moves in free agency, at least without creating room. This means they will likely look to fill the remaining holes through the NFL Draft.
A recent article from Bleacher Report has even suggested a potential Day 2 target for the Falcons, who are seemingly in the market for an outside cornerback to pair with A.J. Terrell. That potential target being Georgia's own Kamari Lassiter.
"Georgia's Kamari Lassiter is a quick and versatile prospect, albeit a bit slight at 6'0" and 180 pounds," Bleacher Report writes. "Size and play strength could be concerns early in his career, but he's a willing tackler and has solid instincts in coverage and run support."
Nov 4, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) prepares to cover Missouri Tigers wide receiver Mookie Cooper (5) during the second half at Sanford Stadium.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Despite last offseason's trade, in which the Falcons gave up a fifth-round pick to the Detroit Lions in exchange for an underperforming former first-round corner, Jeff Okudah, they did not retain him in free agency. The former Ohio State Buckeye signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans after playing in 13 games for the Falcons before he was benched late in the year in favor of Clark Phillips.
While the Falcons may believe in last year's fourth-round pick, Phillips, to be Terrell's outside cornerback partner, it wouldn't hurt to take a chance on a prospect like Lassiter.
The selection of the now-former Bulldog would certainly appease those who feel the Falcons have long overlooked their in-state school. But like many other cornerbacks on the Falcons roster already, Lassiter would bring versatility.
While the Savannah, Ga., native made a name for himself as a two-year starter at outside cornerback, he showed he could play in the slot—a position formally known as the nickel.
He proved this in the Bulldogs' win over Missouri last season, where he was asked to shadow their top receiver, Luther Burden. Shadowing Burden meant Lassiter was to go wherever Burden went, which included defending him out of the slot, a position the defensive back had never played in a game at Georgia before.
Despite the lack of game experience playing as the slot defender, Lassiter still helped Georgia keep Missouri's top target quiet. Burden was held to just three receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown.
“He’s going to be a tremendous player, no matter where they play him,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said of Lassiter at the team's recent NFL Pro Day. “He can play the nickel slot. He can play safety. He can play corner. He’s a ball hawk. He’s super competitive."
There is nothing wrong with healthy competition in the NFL, and Lassiter could provide that for the Falcons, whether on the outside as a corner or in the slot as a nickel.
