TJ Slaton is a Bengal

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(03-10-2025, 05:10 PM)NATI BENGALS Wrote: Well this just opened up the draft big time IMO.

I felt DT in the first few rounds was a need for sure. Not any more.

Haven’t got to watch any highlights. I thought Green Bay had a good D last year.

We still need pass rush. Jackson, Jenkins, and Slaton are all better run defenders than pass rushers. 

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-10-2025, 05:14 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: We still need pass rush. Jackson, Jenkins, and Slaton are all better run defenders than pass rushers. 

Walter Nolen or Kenneth Grant are both great pass rushers. They would still be on my board. BJ isn't the best pass rusher either.

Yes, we need a pass rushing 3-tech. Walter Nolen fits.

McKinnley was a lot better pass rusher than I thought he would be as a rookie though, especially for a NT. He flashed late last season.

Kris Jenkins played decent mid season but didn't do much late like McKinnley did IMO.

[Bengalstripes9]

Seeing some positive posts on X.

Looks tough enough to anchor against the run.

I like it more and more.

DT isn’t a high need in the draft now, but certainly not out of the question as a BPA pick.

Lots of pass rushing DTs to choose from in the draft.

[*ochocincos*]

Seriously though, never heard of the dude.
Very little pass rush potential it looks like.

I would like to say this dude is just camp fodder until after the draft, but the cost says otherwise.
So...Hill and this dude as the starters with Jenkins backing up Hill and Jackson backing up this guy?

I feel like there will be little to no pass rush with this IDL group.

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(03-10-2025, 05:34 PM)ochocincos Wrote:

Seriously though, never heard of the dude.
Very little pass rush potential it looks like.

I would like to say this dude is just camp fodder until after the draft, but the cost says otherwise.

Also was my question.

https://www.nfl.com/news/top-101-nfl-free-agents-of-2025-who-are-the-best-players-available
https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2025-nfl-free-agent-rankings

He's not on NFL.com's Top-101 or PFF's Top-200.

- - - - -

If I had to guess, they decided prior to FA that they were going to sign a DT for $x per year, and rather than adjust the number higher when FA prices skyrocketed, they just stuck to their $ amount and instead scrolled way down the talent list.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

Slaton is a run stopping Nose Tackle and one of Montgomery's guys from Green Bay. Makes a lot of sense.

You aren't going to get accurate PFF grades for NT's very often, their job is to take up multiple Defenders and let others make the tackle.

[WeezyBengal]

The problem is we don't currently have anyone that can rush the passer other than Trey (if he's even brought back).

Jackson, Jenkins, Slaton, and BJ Hill give you nothing for the pass rush.

They absolutely cannot afford to let Trey walk at this point. They also should be looking at edge in round 1 for the other side.

If that happens, I feel OK about the DL going into the season.

[lone bengal]

I like it we need to stop the run before we worry about pass rushing. We keep giving up 6 plus yards on 1st down making easy manageable 2nd and 3rd downs. Run heavy division need a NT.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-10-2025, 05:46 PM)WeezyBengal Wrote: The problem is we don't currently have anyone that can russ the pashed other than Trey (if he's even brought back).

Jackson, Jenkins, Slaton, and BJ Hill give you nothing for the pass rush.

They absolutely cannot afford to let Trey walk at this point. They also should be looking at edge in round 1 for the other side.

If that happens, I feel OK about the DL going into the season.

BJ brings some pass rush, but definitely with you on adding pass rushers. Bring back Ossai and add another Edge and a 3-tech that can 
rush the passer immediately. Not one like Kris Jenkins that you have to develop for years.

[*rfaulk34*]

(03-10-2025, 05:48 PM)lone bengal Wrote: I like it we need to stop the run before we worry about pass rushing. We keep giving up 6 plus yards on 1st down making easy manageable 2nd and 3rd downs.

What pisses me off are the 2nd an 8 runs that end up being 3rd and 1. Or the 2nd and 9 runs that end up being 3rd and 2. Or the 2nd and 7 runs that end up being 3rd and 1/2. Or...you get what i'm saying. 2nd down runs that leave a 3rd and short have been killing this team for a couple years. 

[rupethereitis]

Great signing that opens up that 1st round pick. We needed a space eater.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZarYzwhZec

[*ochocincos*]

While I'm poo poo'ing from a pass rush perspective, the reality is this division is run-heavy, and none of the DTs from last year were great against the run, so this should help in that aspect.
Feels though like overpaying for a 2-down run stuffer, but there should be SOME value there.

[BengalsBong]

We just got stouter against the run and in the AFC North that is big.

We need to win in our division to get back into the playoffs.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-10-2025, 05:56 PM)BengalsBong Wrote: We just got stouter against the run and in the AFC North that is big.

We need to win in our division to get back into the playoffs.

Slaton and Perine both help big time in our Division.

[*bfine32*]

Not going to pretend I know who this dude is, but he's big and our D-line coach must like him.

Golden's D asks a lot of the LBs and a dude like this can help keep them clean. I'm liking Jalon Walker more every day

[XsandOs]

We now have a vet 3-tech and a vet NT, to help Jenkins and Jackson keep developing.

Last year we carried 5 interior D-line, so the Slayton signing leaves the door open for a pass rushing 3-tech in the draft..........unless Tufele is re-signed.

[SunsetBengal]

(03-10-2025, 05:52 PM)ochocincos Wrote: While I'm poo poo'ing from a pass rush perspective, the reality is this division is run-heavy, and none of the DTs from last year were great against the run, so this should help in that aspect.
Feels though like overpaying for a 2-down run stuffer, but there should be SOME value there.

This should have been expected, if you've paid any attention to how Al Golden uses his DL. He asks them to occupy blockers and have at least one big guy that commands a DT. He likes to use his LBs to generate pass rush.

Personally, I'm glad that the Bengals addressed DL needs today, kind of impressed with them actually. (last year they sat on their hands until the cupboard was empty) We should have a really solid rotation, as I expect the young guys to take a step forward this year.

[*Synric*]

A rotational NT was a need but still doesn't move the needle.

[THE PISTONS]

(03-10-2025, 05:46 PM)WeezyBengal Wrote: The problem is we don't currently have anyone that can rush the passer other than Trey (if he's even brought back).

Jackson, Jenkins, Slaton, and BJ Hill give you nothing for the pass rush.

They absolutely cannot afford to let Trey walk at this point. They also should be looking at edge in round 1 for the other side.

If that happens, I feel OK about the DL going into the season.

Yep. Feels like we just kind of do stuff with no overall plan.

[J24]

Our interior pass rush sucks and expecting a rookie to fill that role is stupid. Were building a team to stop the 2005 Steelers!