Slone is a high-motor EDGE/LB tweener who makes his living on effort plays, physicality, and a willingness to hunt the ball carrier from sideline to sideline. The JACK role at NC State unlocked his versatility — he dropped into coverage, set the edge against the run, and flashed legitimate first-step quickness off the snap — but only 1.5 sacks at the ACC level raises serious questions about whether his pass-rush toolbox can translate against NFL-caliber tackles. The rush plan is rudimentary: he either tries to run around the corner or bullrush through it, with no counter moves in his bag when the primary rush is stalled. If a defensive coordinator can scheme him into an effort-based, hybrid role where he spells a starter on early downs and flies around on special teams, there's a late-round roster spot here, but the ceiling is limited by the absence of a refined pass-rush repertoire.

• 🔥Relentless motor that never quits — tracks plays to the backside and pursues 20+ yards downfield consistently
• 🧱Physical, violent temperament at the point of attack that disrupts run plays and overwhelms with controlled aggression
• 🪂Legitimate positional versatility as a JACK LB/EDGE hybrid who can drop into coverage and has shown ball skills (game-sealing INT vs. Virginia)
• 🚀Good first step off the snap on passing downs that generates initial pressure and creates disruption
• 🪵Strong Senior Bowl showing — fought through blocks, recorded a sack in the game, and was cited as a 'Stock Up' player on Day 2 of practices

• 🦬Extremely limited pass-rush plan — relies on running around blockers or powering through them with no counter moves when initial rush is stalled
• 🦬Only 1.5 sacks in 2025 at NC State despite 650 snaps, indicating an inability to convert pressure into finishes against Power 4 tackles
• 🦬Struggles against double teams and gets washed out by powerful offensive linemen at the point of attack
• −Was not invited to the NFL Combine despite Senior Bowl participation, signaling limited league-wide evaluation interest