Often during drills in last year’s training camp, Tank Dell would stutter step before breaking past Derek Stingely Jr. for an easy reception.
For every catch he made, there was one he missed. That’s because Stingely, who finished with a career-high five interceptions while helping the Houston Texans secure their first division title in four years, was attached at his hip.
A year later, it’s more of the same for Dell going against coverage, although the opponents changed. Now, he’s going one-on-one against rookie defensive back Kamari Lassiter.
On Day 1 of training camp, Dell took the battle. Less than 24 hours later, it was Lassiter coming out on top.
“I love Kamari,” Dell said Friday following practice. “He’s a dog. I know he gets even better when he puts on pads. I was watching his tape a minute ago and I was watching when we drafted him and you know he’s a dog when he’s got his pads on.”
Tank Dell on Kamari Lassiter:
“I love him. He’s a DOG”
“He gets even better when he puts the pads on” 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ybFJRLye39
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 19, 2024
Drafted No. 42 overall out of Georgia, Lassiter is the hopeful No. 2 option opposite Stingely in coverage for the long run. Houston knew following a loss in the AFC Divisional Round to Baltimore that it needed a youthful boundary defender, especially with Steven Nelson hitting free agency.
Lassiter initially was expected to start in the nickel, but promising OTAs changed that status. He broke up two passes from C.J. Stroud intended for four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs in team drills.
Lassiter also looked fluid in coverage when facing Dell and 2023 breakout star Nico Collins.
“He’s been great,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke said Saturday morning. “He’s very competitive. He’s always around the ball, even when maybe he’s given up a completion he’s right there. He’s got the hand in the pocket.
“He had a really good spring and the camp has started the same way. I’m excited for him to keep developing from where he is.”
#Texans DC Matt Burke on Kamari Lassiter: “He’s been great. He’s always around the ball even if he gives up a completion. He’s got his hand right there in the pocket.” pic.twitter.com/nDjZcYKme7
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) July 20, 2024
Houston’s secondary was consistent enough to make the playoffs, but it allowed far too many explosive plays last season. The Texans allowed 60 plays over 20 yards downfield, 28 of which came in the final six weeks of the regular season following Jimmie Ward’s injury.
Lassiter, known for his physical demeanor at the line of scrimmage, should make the secondary’s life easier by eliminating one target. During his final year in Athens, he held opposing quarterbacks to a 38.5 percent completion rate, the lowest among SEC defenders and fourth-lowest among FBS cornerbacks.
“I just want to come in and show everybody that I’m a savage,” Lassiter told KPRC 2 Sports earlier this month. “I feel like I’m a physical corner. I feel like I’m a guy that brings a lot of energy to the game and I feel like I can help a team out and do whatever it takes to win.”
Pads won’t come on until next week, but Dell is ready to see Lassiter not only win with his feet but also with the pop.
“He’s a hard worker,” Dell said. “He’s good.”
