Houston Texans rookie defensive end shows his ‘dog’ mentality during training camp

The Houston Texans held the fourth day of their training camp on Monday morning, during which the defense put on a show.

At the Houston Methodist Training Center, several players played a key role in the defense’s dominance, but none more so than rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter. He broke up CJ Stroud’s pass attempt to Stefon Diggs while helping the defense make several impressive stops during the 11-on-11 play.

Before training camp began, it was clear that Lassiter had earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. But four days into training camp, he continues to show why the Texans made the former Georgia prospect their first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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“For a young player to come in and not get too much attention for doing something negative — everything has been positive with Kamari, and he’s exactly the guy we saw on film from Georgia,” coach DeMeco Ryans said.

“He’s in a good spot and a lot of people call him a ‘dawg.’ He’s a dawg. He’s in a good spot and I think that’s going to show even more once we put the pads on. Remember the tape from Georgia and how physical he was when it came to tackling. I’m encouraged by where he’s at. He started his career so young and where he’s at right now in training camp and what he’s done in OTAs. I think he’s going to continue to progress and get better.”

Lassiter was drafted as a fundamentally sound cornerback who helped the Georgia Bulldogs build one of the best defensive teams in the country. During his college career, he recorded 86 tackles, 14 pass deflections, 8.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

Lassiter is a versatile cornerback who can play on the outside or in the slot. However, as the Texans continue to search for a starter to play alongside Derek Stingley Jr., Lassiter has spent his first few days of training camp competing alongside the presumptive first-team.

After joining the Texans as a second-round pick (42nd overall) in April, Lassiter said he aimed to live up to his nickname “The Locksmith.” Four days into training camp, Lassiter’s talent was causing Diggs problems on several occasions.

“Lassiter, as they say, brings in a guy who’s ready. He might be ready. He might even be ready now,” Diggs said.

“He has good technique, he’s looking to gain knowledge, he wants to compete at a high level and he doesn’t run away. I talk to him about everything he can to motivate him and he’s there. He stands up, 10 feet on the ground. What you like to see in young players is that confidence.”

READ MORE: John Metchie III shines through first three days of Houston Texans training camp

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Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24.

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