Slauson played for Callahan at Nebraska and the coach clearly lobbied for his former player in the Jets’ draft room. I like Slauson’s game a lot. He is the big, physical road grader the Jets need at guard but I am wary of players recommended by coaches.
The last time the Jets drafted a player based on a coach’s suggestion it was Eric Mangini who in 2006 pushed for linebacker Anthony Schlegel (Ohio St.). Tannenbaum took Schlegel in the third round (I thought it was a major reach at the time) and the guy turned out to be a bust.
Mangini liked his toughness because he hunted wild boar and that convinced Mangini that Schlegel had what it took to play linebacker in the NFL.
Slauson is very tough in his own right and there is little doubt he can dominate an opponent physically but he is limited as a pass blocker and must improve this part of his game.
He is a dominant run blocker but struggles in space. He has great versatility and can play all three line positions but his best fit is at guard.
His versatility no doubt interested the Jets. He played tackle before moving to guard his senior year but it was at guard where he earned All Big-12 second team honors.
He looked good at the East-West Shrine practices and impressed scouts. He played well in the game too. In fact, his teammate, RB Marlon Lucky (from Nebraska as well), had a monster game running behind a solid offensive line that included Slauson.
The offensive line for the East squad dominated the defensive line for the West and racked up an impressive 174 yards on the ground that day.
Slauson is very aggressive and strong. He has a good initial punch and tries to bury the defender at the snap. But he must play straight ahead because he does not move well laterally.
He fires out of his stance and gets good movement in the run game. He shows pretty good technique as a run blocker - drives his legs and rolls his hips into his blocks. He has good short area quickness and explosiveness.
He is also very smart. He learns quickly and can pick up new schemes without a problem. He plays with good awareness and picks up stunts and blitzes.
But Slauson is not much of an athlete. He is stiff in the hips and struggles mightily against speed rushers. His lack of foot quickness prevents him from reacting to double moves and he will need help from the center when going against speedier pass rushers.
Slauson is a hard worker. He will practice hard and put in extra time to improve his game.
He is durable and started 25 consecutive games while at Nebraska. He is a guy who will never come out of a game no matter how hurt he is.
During his pro day, he re-tore his pectoral muscle (previously torn the week before the NFL Combine) and still gutted out the bench press and put up a respectable 23 reps. Pretty impressive for a guy who had a tear in his chest muscle.
Slauson has the perfect attitude for an offensive guard. He is a real brawler and likes to mix it up. But he will not make the roster unless he shows that he can pass protect.
If he can improve this part of his game he has a chance. If he does not, he may find a spot on the practice squad, which might be the best place for him.
He will be able to work on his pass sets and his footwork. Right now he lunges and grabs too much and that will not get it done in the NFL.
You have to like Slauson’s toughness, strength and smarts. He will be a hard worker and will bring real intensity and attitude to the offensive line but if he cannot overcome his lack of athleticism with improved technique he will not be around long.
Slauson is an impressive guy. He overcame a handicap and channeled his aggression into a productive outlet. You can tell that his past fuels him today.
His mean streak is noticeable on the football field and it helps him get the most out of his somewhat limited talent.
Slauson is the kind of guy you root for. He is a good fit in Rex Ryan’s power running scheme but he will have to round out his skills as a pass blocker if he wants to earn a job as a back up.