Kamari Lassiter set the tone for No. 2 cornerbacks during his rookie season with the Houston Texans. Some could argue he was the top rookie defensive back after shutting down quality No. 2 receivers like Chicago’s Rome Odunze and Los Angeles’ Quinten Johnston in the playoffs.
Does Pro Football Focus agree? Not entirely. While the former second-round pick made the list of the top 32 cornerbacks in the league for this fall, he appeared at No. 31, just one spot higher than Dallas Cowboys star Daron Bland.
“There were several great rookie seasons in 2024, and Lassiter’s was arguably right behind those of Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell,” PFF’s John Kosko wrote. “He ranked third among rookies in PFF advanced coverage grade and 15th among all cornerbacks. He also led the NFL with a 45.2% completion rate allowed.”
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Drafted 42nd overall last season, Lassiter arguably was the best rookie defender in his class. According to The 33rd team, from Week 9 on, the former Georgia standout did not allow more than 50 yards in coverage in a game. He also forced two interceptions, a 50% completion rate and only gave up 21.7 yards per outing.
In 16 games, Lassiter totaled three interceptions, a safety, 10 pass breakups and only allowed a 54.4% completion rating. He and third-round pick Calen Bullock became staples in coverage, helping Houston win a second straight AFC South division title and postseason victory.
Philadelphia’s Cooper DeJean ranked 11th and led all rookie cornerbacks while his teammate, Quinyon Mitchell, ranked inside the top 20 at No. 16.
The Texans open the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 7.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Did Texans star Kamari Lassiter make PFF’s top 32 CB list for 2025?