As the Green Bay Packers prepare for another thrilling season, all attention is focused on T.J. Slaton, the dominant defensive tackle who is set to make a significant impact on the team. Known for his impressive size, strength, and unwavering determination, Slaton has quickly risen to become a key player on the Packers’ roster. In this piece, we will delve deeper into the pivotal role that Slaton plays on the team and why he is a player to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
Rebuilding? Not quite. The Green Bay Packers opted to restock, reload, and continue their pursuit of greatness after trading away future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers in April 2023. Despite fielding the NFL’s youngest roster the year before, the Packers exceeded expectations by making it to the playoffs in 2023. They even managed to upset Dallas in the Wild Card round and gave eventual NFC champion San Francisco a run for their money in the divisional playoffs.
With the majority of their promising roster returning, a talented quarterback in Jordan Love, and some key offseason additions, the Packers are once again poised to be one of the top contenders to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX.
Kenny Clark, a veteran defensive tackle who has experienced three NFC Championship games without a win, expressed optimism about the team’s potential this season. He believes that the current team’s chemistry and camaraderie set them apart from previous iterations, giving them a strong foundation to build upon.
The Packers’ training camp is set to begin on July 22, and in anticipation of the upcoming season, we will be highlighting the “30 Most Important Packers” leading into the 2024 campaign. Coming in at number 21 on our list is defensive tackle T.J. Slaton.
T.J. Slaton, DL
Last Season
Standing at an imposing 6-4, 330 pounds, Slaton, a fifth-round draft pick in 2021, had his most impressive season as a professional in the previous year. He started in all 17 games, tallying a career-best 49 tackles (22 solo), two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and two passes defensed. Slaton saw an increase in playing time, logging a career-high 626 snaps (56.4%) during the season.
Career Progression
Slaton holds the distinction of being the only defensive player for the Packers to appear in all 51 games over the past three seasons. His snap percentages have steadily risen from 23.6% as a rookie to 32.2% in his second year. Notably, his tackle numbers have seen a significant uptick, climbing from 23 in his rookie year to 49 in 2023. Pro Football Focus has also rated Slaton’s performance higher each season, showcasing his continuous improvement.
The Packers’ confidence in Slaton’s abilities led them to entrust him with the crucial nose tackle role last season, allowing them to move Kenny Clark to defensive end in their defensive scheme. Slaton’s dedication to enhancing his speed and agility during the offseason paid dividends on the field, contributing to his overall growth as a player.
Future Outlook
As the Packers transition to a 4-3 defensive front, Slaton’s role may undergo some adjustments. In the new scheme, Slaton is expected to line up at the 1-technique (outside shoulder of the center) and anchor the ‘A’ gap between the guard and the center. His versatility enables him to also play the 0-technique (head-up with the center) and the 2-technique (inside shoulder of the guard) within this alignment.
Slaton, a rising talent, showcased his potential during a promising spring performance and is poised to play a pivotal role in Green Bay’s revamped defensive approach. Despite the team’s depth at the defensive tackle position, Slaton will face stiff competition for playing time.
Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur expressed confidence in the defensive line unit, emphasizing the individual strengths each player brings to the table and the collective impact they can have on opposing offenses.
Player Insights
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praised Slaton’s athleticism and physicality, highlighting his potential impact as a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line. He emphasized the importance of maximizing Slaton’s skill set within the team’s defensive strategy.
Meanwhile, defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich lauded Slaton’s exceptional athletic abilities, citing his impressive vertical leap and agility as valuable assets in the defensive scheme. He affirmed Slaton’s suitability for the 3-4 defensive alignment and expressed confidence in his ability to excel in his designated role.
THE TOP 30
- No. 30 – RB AJ Dillon
- No. 29 – LB Isaiah McDuffie
- No. 28 – CB Carrington Valentine
- No. 27 – TE Tucker Kraft
- No. 26 – LB Edgerrin Cooper
- No. 25 – DE Lukas Van Ness
- No. 24 – Keisean Nixon
- No. 23 – WR Dontayvion Wicks
- No. 22 – OL Jordan Morgan
T.J. Slaton’s continued growth and adaptability make him a key asset for the Green Bay Packers’ defense heading into the upcoming season. With a revamped defensive strategy and a competitive roster, Slaton’s contributions will be vital to the team’s success as they aim for a deep playoff run.
