Summary

T.J. Slaton was selected in Round 5 (#173 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida. Slaton played a rotational but impactful role in Florida’s defensive front, totaling 55 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack while frequently occupying double teams and anchoring the run defense. At the NFL level, Slaton has carved out a role as an early-down run-stopping defensive tackle, appearing in 50+ career games through the 2024 season. With Green Bay, he functioned primarily as a rotational nose/1-tech defender, providing interior bulk and physicality. Now with the Cincinnati Bengals, Slaton brings a high-character, team-first professional, praised for work ethic, coachability, and willingness to embrace unglamorous roles that support overall defensive success.

Strengths

• Size & Mass: Legitimate interior anchor who occupies space. Reliable on first and second down against heavy personnel.

• Run Defense Presence: Effective at clogging interior gaps and limiting downhill runs by constantly drawing double teams and keeping linebackers clean.

• Anchor vs. Double Teams: Strong base allows him to hold ground against combo blocks. Difficult to move when pad level is right.

• Gap Discipline: Plays within structure and maintains assigned responsibility. Executes clearly defined roles without freelancing or chasing carrots.

Weaknesses

• Pass-Rush Ceiling: Limited interior pressure and not a third-down disruptor. Rarely impacts passing downs statistically.

• First-Step Explosiveness: Lacks burst to penetrate gaps quickly. Tall frame can rise, allowing leverage losses.

• Stamina: Best in rotational usage rather than extended snap counts.

• Lateral Mobility: Limited range when chasing plays outside the box.

Outlook

T.J. Slaton fits best in physical, early-down defensive packages that emphasize run control, gap integrity, and interior size. Within Cincinnati’s defensive front, he profiles as a rotational nose tackle or 1-technique, allowing the Bengals to stay stout against heavy sets and short-yardage situations. His presence can help keep linebackers clean and preserve lighter, more explosive interior rushers for passing downs. Looking ahead, Slaton projects as a situational interior defensive lineman with value rooted in run defense and depth reliability. While his athletic limitations cap three-down upside, his size, strength, and role discipline provide a clear, defined function on an NFL roster. For a Bengals defense that values rotational depth and interior toughness, Slaton offers practical snap value and structural stability rather than splash production.