Texans sign second-round CB to rookie pact

Houston inked six rookies to their respective contracts Thursday. The team’s top selection in this year’s draft is also now under contract.

The Texans announced on Friday that second-round corner Kamari Lassiter has signed his rookie pact. The Georgia product was selected 42nd overall, which doubled as Houston’s first selection after the team traded away No. 23 to the Vikings well before the draft. While the 2025 capital acquired in that transaction will help the Texans in the near future, Lassiter could play a notable role in the secondary right away.

The 6-0, 180-pounder played three seasons with the Bulldogs, helping the team win back-to-back championships in the 2021 and ’22 campaigns. In the latter year, Lassister showcased his strength as a run defender by amassing five tackles for loss. That continued last year with 37 total stops (including 3.5 for loss).

The 2023 season also saw Lassiter record a career-best eight pass deflections, although he only notched a single interception. He recorded just two picks in college, and that limited ball production no doubt played a role in his slide down the CB board. Questions have also been raised about Lassiter’s long speed, something which will be worth watching as he transitions to the pro game.

Houston already has one starting CB spot locked down in the form of Derek Stingley Jr. The team was busy on the cornerback front in free agency, adding C.J. Henderson, Jeff Okudah and Mike Ford. Lassiter will aim to earn playing time right away amongst those new faces as well as returnees Desmond King and Troy Pride. At a minimum, he should be able to see special teams action and provide depth in the secondary during his rookie season.

With just two unsigned rookies remaining, here is an updated look at the Texans’ 2024 class:

• Round 2, No. 42 (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 59: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
• Round 3, No. 78 (from Seahawks through Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
• Round 4, No. 123 (from Browns through Texans): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 188 (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 205: Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 238 (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 247: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 249: LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan) (signed)