Has there been a better No. 2 cornerback in the NFL over the past two seasons than Houston Texans‘ Kamari Lassiter?
After falling down draft boards because of a “slow” 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day, Lassiter landed in perhaps the best situation possible to flourish as a breakout cornerback. Oftentimes, teams can’t place their second-best receiver against the former Georgia standout because he’s more talented than several No. 1 cornerbacks in the league.
But do others agree that Lassiter might be the best secondary cornerback entering the 2026 NFL season?
Every year, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reaches out to team executives, general managers, scouts and personnel members to find the top 10 players at every position. For cornerbacks, two-time All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. was named the No. 2 corner for 2026 and even garnered some first-place votes.
Lassiter didn’t make the cut in the top 10, but he was the first name off the list and received high praise from one executive as the league’s best running mate to a shutdown defensive back on the opposing side.
“The best No. 2 corner in the league,” an NFC defensive coach told Fowler.
“The best No. 2 corner in the league,” an NFC defensive coach told Fowler.
When looking at the list, Lassiter would be the best corner on 23 other teams in the league. While playing opposite of Stingley last season, he allowed just 32 receptions on 73 targets for just under 200 yards and two touchdowns.
In fact, Lassiter allowed fewer yards and touchdowns than Stingley, though the former had been going up against most No. 1 options in man coverage.
“Really good ball skills, not the fastest but ultra-competitive,” an NFC offensive coach told Fowler. “A little more size and speed, and he might be the best.”
“Really good ball skills, not the fastest but ultra-competitive,” an NFC offensive coach told Fowler. “A little more size and speed, and he might be the best.”
Lassiter did receive several top-10 votes, but was just kept off the list. In two years, he’s established himself as one of the best young defensive talents in the pros, but still remains behind several members of his draft class, including Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl boundary conrer Quinyon Mitchell (No. 6) and All-Pro nickel defender Cooper DeJean (No. 9).
In time, Lassiter should be considered a top-10 consensus cornerback, though that might bode well for Houston, especially given that the Texans already have Stingley Jr. locked up long-term on an extension. Lassiter could eventually play his way into a payday that makes him the No. 1 cornerback in the roster.
The Texans return to Reliant Stadium for the start of training camp on July 21.
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