The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
It’s been a minute since Brian Gutekunst drafted a Georgia Bulldog. After drafting three Bulldogs in two years, Green Bay’s general manager went the entire 2023 NFL Draft without selecting a Bulldog. Shocking to say the least.
After a one-year hiatus, Gutekunst may jump back into the Bulldog prospect pool during the 2024 NFL Draft. A player he could target is Kamari Lassiter. The Georgia cornerback checks in at No. 81 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A four-star recruit out of Alabama, Lassiter picked off one pass and broke up two more during his first season on campus. The following season Lassiter moved into the starting lineup and recorded five tackles for loss and four pass deflections. This past season the Georgia cornerback recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and eight pass deflections.
“Kamari was that shut-down corner teams always covet,” Anthony Dasher, the managing editor of UGASports, said. “Along with his physical talent, Lassiter was the leader of the secondary, and the man to make sure everyone was lined up correctly.”
Lassiter has quick and coordinated feet. He’s smooth in his pedal and can change directions without slowing down. He has the long speed to run with wide receivers vertically and shows good closing burst on underneath routes. If he gets beat off the line of scrimmage he has the recovery speed to make up for it and never seems to panic. The former four-star recruit shows good route instincts and plays through the hands of the wide receivers.
If he gives up a reception in coverage, Lassiter is quick to get his man to the ground to limit YAC. According to Pro Football Focus, Lassiter gave up zero touchdowns in coverage this past season.
While he logged limited snaps in the slot during his time at Georgia, he could log more snaps there at the next level.
“He’s very fluid and transitions to different routes almost seamlessly,” Dasher said. “Kamari also can be extremely effective on the perimeter but is quick to adjust when it comes to taking on opposing teams’ screen games and he’s extremely physical.”
Lassiter is not afraid to stick his nose in against the run. He’s quick to trigger downhill and has a high batting average as a tackler. According to PFF, Lassiter was tagged with just four missed tackles this past season.
“He’s not afraid of contact, that’s for sure,” Dasher said. “He tackles like a linebacker and plays very downhill in run support, although, at the next level, he could probably afford to get a little stronger, despite his overall physicality.”
During his three years at Georgia, Lassiter logged 325 snaps on special teams and recorded two tackles. With his quickness and toughness, the Georgia cornerback could carve out a role on special teams as a rookie.
Fit with the Packers
The Packers need to add pieces to the cornerback room. Jaire Alexander was in and out of the lineup this past season. Will Eric Stokes be able to rediscover his rookie form? Even though Carrington Valentine showcased potential, it’s a safe bet that Gutekunst will add competition to that room. On top of all that, Keisean Nixon is set to hit the open market; they’ll likely be in the market for a new starting nickel.
With his athleticism, coverage instincts and toughness, Lassiter has the makings of a lockdown cornerback with the ability to play on the boundary or in the slot. If the Packers miss out on a cornerback with the 25th overall pick, Lassiter could be a target for Gutekunst with the 41st overall pick.
“He’s used to playing for winning teams, he’s a quick study, and he doesn’t mind playing special teams,” Dasher said. “As good as he was for Georgia, his best football is still ahead of him.”
