As the 2023 NFL season winds down, let’s keep our Las Vegas Raiders draft coverage going. To get things started this draft season, we’re going to bring you 30 prospects in 30 days; in particular, many of these will be Day 1 prospects and some Day 2 prospects worthy of attention from Raiders fans. Next up, we have Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter.
As a follow-up to our report on Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, we’ll be looking at another cornerback. However, don’t fret, Raider Nation. Arnold won’t be the last one; the Raiders need tons of help at the position. Luckily for them and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, there’ll be plenty of formidable options on Days 1 and 2 of next year’s NFL Draft.
Raiders Draft: Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter
Production
In terms of stats, it’s hard not to look at one particular number for the soon-to-be former Georgia Bulldog; that digit is 14. As in 14 career pass deflections, eight of those coming this past season alone. Kamari Lassiter was sixth in the entire SEC thanks to that total during this most recent campaign. When you consider the level of talent that he had to defend against, those are gawdy numbers. Though he recorded only one career interception, there’s more to it than that. I mean, if you’re a college quarterback, you’d be a dunce to throw it Lassiter’s way.
According to Pro Football Focus, Lassiter saw most of his action playing outside wide, which is what the Raiders needed—a defender on the boundary. That would allow Nate Hobbs to move back to the nickel—a duo featuring a Bulldog and a former Clemson Tiger could cause havoc in the AFC West.
Lassiter’s coverage grade by PFF of 83.7 is notable, and his 70.0 grade in the run-defense grade is something you should take note of as well ahead of the combine season.
Measurables
Much like Terrion Arnold, you have Kamari Lassiter measuring around the same. Obviously, keep in mind that this is ahead of next year’s NFL Combine, but Lassiter is listed at six feet and around 180 pounds.
Kamari Lassiter through 6 games
89 Yards allowed
8 receptions allowed
0 TDs allowed
56.7 Passer Rating Against
286 snaps pic.twitter.com/rw99bobUt0— 704 Dawg (@FSFRecruits) October 9, 2023
Raiders Draft: Strengths And Weaknesses
Once he had the opportunity to take over the CB1 role for the vaunted Georgia defense, Lassiter never looked back. Simply put, he’s a physical corner that makes plays; last time we checked, the Raiders don’t have too many playmakers on the boundary this season. You plug in Lassiter—things are going to happen.
His fluid hips allow him to generate sufficient speed to cover the perimeter; it’ll be interesting how he does on his Pro Day (or at the Combine). Lassiter’s quickness is also something to note; in college, he was able to keep up vertically with the best of them.
Unlike Marcus Peters, Kamari Lassiter will do the dirty work; he’s no slouch in the tackling department. In fact, spending time on special team’s really helped him hone that aspect of his game. As it stands, it’s possible that Lassiter could be had in the second round—that’s a massive steal for the Raiders if they’re in play.
*Top Photo: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
2024 Raiders Draft: Alabama CB Terrion Arnold – 30 Prospects, 30 Days
