3 Returning Green Bay Packers In Store for Larger Roles
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Interior Defensive Lineman TJ Slaton
As a fifth-round pick in 2021, Slaton was on the field for only 266 defensive snaps last season. And while the Green Bay Packers defensive front has gotten even more robust with the additions of Jarran Reed and Devonte Wyatt, Slaton’s playing time could very well increase–specifically on early downs against the run.
With his athleticism, Slaton does have upside as a pass rusher, but at 6’5″ – 340 pounds, his biggest impact right now will come against the run. So far, through OTAs and minicamp, we have seen Slaton taking reps with the first team defense as the nose tackle.
In this role, Slaton isn’t going to always fill up the stat sheet as oftentimes, a nose tackle’s contributions can go unnoticed. However, by taking on double-teams and eating up space in the middle, it will help keep his teammates clean and free to make plays with greater ease.
Having Slaton in the middle will also afford the Packers more flexibility to move Kenny Clark around, so he isn’t the one being double-teamed all of the time. We saw more of this last season, and Clark had one of his most productive seasons in terms of pressures generated.
At least on paper, the Packers have their strongest five-man interior defensive line rotation in years, and among that group is Slaton, who, against the run, should have a more defined role as Green Bay looks to improve their rush defense, which ranked in the bottom third of the NFL last season.
"“I think he can be a dominant run player when he’s doing the right things,” said IDL Coach Jerry Montgomery via Packers Wire. “That’s what I’m going to hold him accountable for.”"