Lassiter was compared to Devon Weatherspoon and my guy Martin Emerson coming out which is lofty praise. As with Stingley, Lassiter made a significant difference his freshman year but nowhere near the impact. Stingley's rookie year was simply amazing. Lassiter's ability in all defending schemes raised his draft status imo. Doesn't have Derek's "wow, did you see that!" Yet is a steady defender that will give yards up but not points.
If we had solid safeties, I think Lassiter would take more risk for interceptions.
When I began following Stingly his freshman year, he had it all to perhaps be the greatest Corner in the NFL history. 38 tackles, 21 passes defended and 6 INTs. 4.44 speed and a 38 in vertical. Dude ran in the high for twos in high school!
As we all know injury is what led to his downfall and to me championing Ahmad 'sauce' Gardner over Stingley.
Sting just had amazing skills in all areas but was best press man coverage. In college he tackled like a safety.
Barring future injuries, both could be elite corners.