Mel Kiper Jr. predicts Kamari Lassiter in the 'second, early third' round of NFL Draft

Mel Kiper Jr. has some big expectations for Kamari Lassiter. On ESPN’s First Draft podcast, Kiper shared his thoughts on where the Georgia Bulldogs cornerback will be selected in this year’s NFL Draft.

“I like Kamari Lassiter,” Kiper told Field Yates. Kiper also pointed out that Lassiter’s 40-yard dash time was 4.51 and not 4.6 which was reported.

“He plays faster,” Kiper explained. “He’s in the hit pocket of that receiver. He’s feisty. Kamari Lassiter is going I think no worse than second, early third.”

Lassiter had a strong 2023 season, leading the team with eight pass breakups to go along with his 37 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. His production last season led to him being selected to the Coaches All-SEC Second Team.

Earlier this month, Yates spoke to reporters about how impressed he is with Lassiter after watching him at the Combine. “You kind of always balance the timeline in terms of how much it matters relative to the tape,” Yates said. “But when the tape is awesome, as it was in the case of Kamari Lassiter, that matches what you saw at the combine, which was the on-field workout where it kind of felt like he was operating at a different speed than almost any other cornerback that was playing there – the acceleration specifically for Kamari Lassiter – that made me feel even better about his prospects going forward.”

Kamari Lassiter gets major support from Kirby Smart

Lassiter helped the Bulldogs win back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. During their run, the Bulldogs won 29 consecutive games, which is a new SEC record.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is confident Lassiter will shine in the NFL. “He’s going to be a tremendous player, no matter where they play him,” Smart said, per The Players Lounge. “He can play the nickel slot. He can play safety. He can play corner. He’s a ball hawk. He’s super competitive. Some people have a knack for finishing and getting the ball out. That’s one thing he’s got a really good knack for finishing on the ball and getting the ball out.”

Lassiter is one of the many Bulldogs who could be drafted later this month. In the latest Draft Big Board from Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, tight end Brock Bowers is the No. 6 player in the draft class. Additionally, Ladd McConkey is the 10th-best wide receiver, and Amarius Mims is ranked the sixth-best offensive tackle.

On3’s Matt Connolly contributed to this report