Jackson Slater Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Vasha Hunt/IMAGN Images)
School: Sacramento State
Class: Senior
Position: IOL
HT: 6’3
WT: 311 lbs
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Background: Jackson Slater was a 3-star interior offensive lineman out of Bellevue, Washington. Slater played for Newport High School, where he was a top 50 player in the state for the class of 2021. While he was recruited as a guard, Slater played tackle, center, and guard during his time at Newport. Slater was an all-conference selection as a sophomore and a junior. As a senior, Slater also began to play on the defensive line, registering 20 tackles. Slater played baseball and basketball while also competing in track and field for Newport. Jackson Slater was lightly recruited and chose to play for Sacramento State.
College: As a freshman, Slater started nine games at left guard. In 2022, Slater was a Third Team All-American and was a First Team All-Big Sky selection after starting all 11 games at left guard. While being dominant on the field, Slater was dominant in the classroom as he earned All-Big Sky academic honors. Slater was named First Team All-Big Sky in both 2023 and 2024 while being a First Team All-American selection in 2024.
Strengths: Jackson Slater has made an impact in all 4 years at Sacramento State. Slater does well to get low into his stance with a wide base, anchoring himself into the ground and absorbing power rushes. Slater not only has the power to anchor and absorb contact, he also tested as one of the most athletic guards at the combine. Slater can move very well in the run game. He finds his landmarks with easy and creates easy rushing lanes for the ball carrier. Slater is an excellent insurance policy and helper on the interior. He gets out quickly to help tackles against the power rushes if he does not have an immediate matchup. Slater has both quick and independent hands to land punches while his feet continue to work.
Weaknesses: Jackson Slater has two glaring weak spots on his resume. The first being the injury that cut his 2024 short. He recovered from the knee injury in time to compete at the combine, but the question remains as to if he can last a full NFL season. He also did not face top competition after playing in the Big Sky Conference for all 4 years. The step up in competition may come as a shock to Slater. Slater moves well, but his movements are not effortless. He seems to have clunky feet and can get tangled up with himself in space.
Conclusion: Jackson Slater has all the traits to be a plus NFL starter. His independent hands and powerful strike give power rushers a difficult time on the interior. His athleticism will directly translate to a zone rushing offense in the league. If he fully recovers from his knee injury, he will be a Day 1 starter.
Scheme Fit: Zone Rushing Offense
Ideal Role: Left Guard
Best Team Fits: NE, SF, JAX
Player Comparison: Andrew Voorhees
Player Grade: Round 3 (76.6)
