Man, Slaton in the lead...would have been nice to see this optimism when he was playing for the Gators. Maybe it was just too hot for him down here?
That may not be so far fetched actually. His conditioning was his main concern and there’s no question playing in the Cool North isn’t as stressful on a big man.
Speaking of his conditioning. They reported he came into Camp between 20-30lbs lighter than where his previous playing weight was, which is encouraging.
Thirdly, his strength is his strength. Meaning Slaton’s calling card is using raw power to overwhelm with a bullrush and aided by an occasional swim move. Which by deduction to me speaks to he has room to grow himself in a technical area. You can teach technique, you really can’t teach raw power. I Like that kinda problem.
I see a limited 2 down player, who if he can refine his tool arsenal, can be productive in an area we haven’t had in sometime. He can be formidable in a short yardage game of goal line. He’s our true NT and he’s not here to rack up Sacks, as some in here will no less judge him on. He’s here to eat multiple blocks and cause disruption by moving the Center off his base and feet and into the QB pocket.
He’s a handful of explosive, 6’5X330lb.
75% of the Centers he’ll face won’t like him very much. The others will require some help to contain him. Which is exactly what we need.
My initial draft board had the Rams young Bobby Brown III as a nice chess piece a round earlier, but I’m pretty happy getting Slaton just before the opening of Round 6.
