The Las Vegas Raiders are once again proving that they are masters of the unexpected, and this time, it's all about their pass rush. After acquiring veteran Maxx Crosby, who returned to the team after a failed trade, the Raiders are now looking at adding another unexpected piece to their roster: undrafted free agent Cian Slone. While it might seem like a long shot, Slone's journey to the NFL and his impressive performance this offseason make him a strong contender for a roster spot.
Slone's path to the NFL is already an impressive feat. Starting at American River College in California, he then committed to Utah State, where he made a significant impact on the Aggies' defense. His time at Utah State saw him start in 14 of 25 games, tallying 9.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and six passes defensed. For his final year of eligibility, Slone transferred to NC State, where he started all 13 games, finishing with 1.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, two passes defensed, and an interception. These impressive statistics alone are enough to make any team take notice.
What makes Slone's situation particularly fascinating is the competition he faces for a roster spot. According to Sam Warren of The Athletic, the Raiders are likely to carry five pass rushers on their 53-man roster. While Crosby and Malcolm Koonce are likely locks, the team didn't give Kwity Paye a $16MM per year contract just to cut him, and third-round Auburn rookie Keyron Crawford is also almost certainly safe. This leaves one theoretical slot for which three players would compete: Slone, 2024 Rams fifth-round pick Brennan Jackson, and Jahfari Harvey, an undrafted rookie from SMU.
What makes Slone stand out is his experience working with veteran groups in team periods this offseason. This is something that none of his fellow undrafted peers got to experience, and it could be a significant advantage for him. If Slone continues to impress and shows special teams value, he could earn his way onto the team's initial 53-man roster. This is not just a long shot; it's a possibility that could significantly impact the Raiders' pass rush.
In my opinion, the Raiders' decision to bring back Crosby and now potentially add Slone to their roster is a strategic move. It shows that the team is willing to take risks and invest in players who have the potential to make a significant impact. While it might not be a popular opinion, I believe that Slone has the skills and the potential to become a key player for the Raiders. If he can continue to impress and prove himself, he could be the surprise that turns the Raiders' pass rush into a force to be reckoned with.
What this really suggests is that the Raiders are not afraid to take chances on players who have the potential to make a difference. While it might not be a popular strategy, it's one that could pay off significantly. If Slone can make the roster, it will be a testament to the Raiders' ability to identify and develop talent, and it could be the start of something exciting for the team.
