Titans Select Versatile Guard Jackson Slater in NFL Draft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans selected Sacramento State offensive lineman Jackson Slater in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Slater was picked with the 167th overall selection and is recognized for his versatility on the field.

“Being a versatile guy is a big part of my game, and being able to fix problems when problems arise is essential,” Slater said in a conference call shortly after being drafted. “I’m looking forward to showing that on tape as well.”

During his college career, Slater started 44 games at Sacramento State, earning first-team FCS All-America honors and All-Big Sky recognition in 2024. He primarily played left guard and left tackle, but Titans senior football advisor Reggie McKenzie sees Slater transitioning to center and guard in the NFL.

“I think I could develop into a really good center,” Slater said, despite limited experience at the position. His notable athleticism was acknowledged when he was named to Bruce Feldman’s 2024 College Football Freaks list for The Athletic. Slater’s performance metrics included a 405-pound power clean and a reported speed of 19.96 mph on GPS.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein commented on Slater’s skills, stating that he plays with good core strength and can maintain firm contact. However, Zierlein cautioned that Slater may face challenges with foot quickness at the professional level. “Proving he has position flexibility at guard and center will help,” Zierlein noted.

Slater joins a growing list of Titans draft picks, including Miami quarterback Cam Ward and UCLA pass rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo. The Titans expect to rely on Slater for depth in the offensive line, particularly as he adapts to the speed of the NFL game.

With the Titans set to make additional selections in the draft, all eyes will be on how Slater’s adaptability will play out as he embarks on his professional career.