Sacramento State interior offensive lineman Jackson Slater has been one of the biggest risers throughout the 2025 NFL Draft process. Slater entered April's build-up with a ton to prove. He's passed each test with flying colors.
Slater accepted an invitation to this year’s Senior Bowl. He impressed scouts by handling a step-up in competition with ease. The FCS blocker consistently won reps against SEC talents, putting the small-school concerns to bed.
The No. 90 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 update, Slater then showcased elite athleticism at this year's NFL Combine. The Bellevue, Washington native ran the 40-yard dash in 5.01 seconds at 6-foot-3 and 311 pounds. Slater also posted a second-best 31 bench-press reps, and leaped a 9-foot broad jump.
With his pre-draft stock rising, we've identified three potential fits for Slater in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are entering the draft with a sizable need across the interior of their offensive line. At left guard, general manager Chris Grier made the surprising decision to re-sign Liam Eichenberg this offseason despite him being whistled for nine penalties and tagged with allowing 29 quarterback pressures in 2024. At right guard, the Dolphins are rolling the dice on free-agent signing James Daniels, who is recovering from a serious Achilles injury. That is less than ideal.
Starting center Aaron Brewer was also heavily penalized with nine infractions. Slater possesses the flexibility to play both guard and center at the next level. He's also an outstanding athlete, capable of thriving in Mike McDaniel's zone-based scheme.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have essentially been dealing with offensive line issues since drafting Joe Burrow. The current interior trio of Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, and Cody Ford combined to allow 13 sacks and 103 quarterback pressures last season. Volson and Karras appear settled to retain their starting gigs, and Ford is primed to go from swing backup to full-time starter following Alex Cappa's release.
That is a below-average starting trio at best as currently constructed. The Bengals must exit the 2025 NFL Draft with at least one upgrade at guard or center to pair with tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims Jr. Slater has versatility, but he would probably slot in at right guard, replacing Ford.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were a mess up front throughout 2024 and they've somehow gotten worse this offseason. Trading multi-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was a head scratcher, but the interior is in even worse shape. Free-agent signing Laken Tomlinson was an underperformer for the Seattle Seahawks last year, and young players Juice Scruggs, Jarrett Patterson, and the recently acquired Ed Ingram are being counted on to develop at the remaining two interior spots.
The Texans need to target offensive linemen early and often throughout the draft. Sruggs or Patterson may settle the center position, but both guard spots are more concerning. Slater could provide the Texans with more upside than the current in-house options.
