I really like Kamari as a player and it isn’t a coincidence that he is on Demeco Ryans team now. Kamari was the most underrated corner in college football and IMO the best. He is an absolute competitor that loves football - very mature and professional… which is what Ryans targets. In fact I think he has a better career than the more well known corner on the Texans. I think he will be a long term starter on the Texans and a Pro Bowler. I have deservedly been hard on the Texans until the Ryans hire and selection of Stroud.
I was hoping for Kool Aid before the draft based on most press outlets having him as a top 1-3 CB, while Kamari was listed somewhere in the 5-10 range. After watching more tape on both I’m excited to have Kamari. He’s more physical, seems to have better intuition, and looks better at shadowing using his quick shiftiness. He doesn’t look slow as some suggest but he is at times overly aggressive with his hands. The one thing I think Kool Aid does a much better job at is tracking the ball.
Renardo Green was my guy in the spot we were picking but I'm also good with Lassiter. I have total faith in the staff if they decide he's the better option.
I don't care about the 40 time. They don't play the game in shorts and a singlet. They play the game in pads, and they play the game tired and beaten up. So if they want to make the 40 time relevant, then they need to have the guys run in pads. Also - I can understand some importance when you are talking about smaller school guys. That doesn't apply here - he played against very good competition, the best in college football and he was better at what he did than any other cornerback in his draft class, and he did it two seasons in a row. I don't expect a lot of interceptions from him - but his hands and physicality are excellent - not many passes are going to be competed against him, and he is going to break up a lot of passes that should be completed. His attitude is awesome and he gets that this is his career and he loves football. I am not a GM nor a scout - but I have watched a lot of games and tape, and over the years I have concluded that teams and scouts over think it. Last year before the draft I said I liked Stroud better than any player in the draft because he could do everything. I think we are seeing this with Lassiter as well - he has at least solid physical skills and technique, he has desire and a track record of success. That is really what makes a good to very good NFL player. There is no adjusting to pitching like baseball - you can play or you cannot, especially for non-quarterbacks.
I wonder if technology is at the point where quantitative data can be extracted from game film (this is already happening to some extent with GPS data). Basically a trained AI for film review/scouting. Renders off-field measurables less and less relevant.
Not too worried about Kamari's speed. Obviously having freaky athletic traits helps, but similarly athletic CBs have gone on to be pro bowlers. If you want a laugh, check out Malcolm Butler's RAS chart.
DeJean and P. Wilson were the 2 guys in this draft that I really liked. But I think when it comes to knowing defensive talent Ryans has forgotten more than I will ever know.
