The Packers have no shortage of talent on defense. Kenny Clark, Jaire Alexander and De’vondre Campbell headline a defense looking to build upon the progress made last season. However, one name throughout training camp has popped up as a player who has made huge progress this offseason. Second year DT TJ Slaton has impressed in training camp and is primed for a year two leap.
Slaton’s 2021 Season
Slaton played in all 17 games last season. He recorded a handful of tackles and one sack. His best highlight of 2021 was a blocked field goal against Washington. From a stats standpoint, Slaton’s year was nothing special. He was a fifth round pick and definitely looked the part. At 340 pounds he found a role in special teams and played it well. However, it is clear that coming training camp, Slaton was ready for a year two leap.
Training Camp
Slaton has been trending up in the first couple of weeks in training camp. His large frame has clogged holes for the running game and allowed linebackers to fly through to make stops. Packers fans will remember the role Gilbert Brown played on the 90s Packers teams. He wasn’t going to chase anyone down but he would clog the middle of the line. This is a similar role that Slaton will play. He can clog the middle of the line and with his athleticism can make some other plays around the field as well.
Improving the Run Defense
While the Packers still had a top half of the league defense, they did have one glaring weakness; stopping the run. Teams were able to get them on early downs and create 3rd and short situations. This caused an increased reliance on big turnovers. The defense, especially Rasul Douglas, provided those turnovers but those are hard to count on from year to year. Making more stops on the early downs and putting teams in 3rd and long situations is a much better long term plan at defense. Slaton making a year two leap would help the Packers improve in this area.
Slaton’s numbers may not jump off the page this season. A run stopper often doesn’t get many tackles because teams can’t run at him. His role will allow players on the Packers defense to make plays which is a vital role. Slaton is primed for a year two leap. It is great to see draft talent develop and become key members of the team.
