Before the 2025 NFL season began, the Cleveland Browns started three new linebackers to begin their season. Not by design, as MLB Jordan Hicks unexpectedly retired, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was not ready to get back on the field, and the other position was shared with the combination of Mohamoud Diabate and Devin Bush.
That same scenario just might happen along the offensive line this year.
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Both offensive tackles, veteran Jack Conklin and Dawand Jones have had a lot
of injuries. Conklin’s contract is up, while Jones has one more left on his deal. Conklin has missed 33 games since he came to Cleveland in 2020. Jones has been a roster member for three seasons and has ended up on IR three times.
LG Joel Bitonio has seven Pro Bowls and hinted at retiring before the 2025 season. He just may step down, but hasn’t said. RG Wyatt Teller and C Ethan Pocic’s contracts are already up, but neither has been mentioned for an extension.
What is Cleveland’s plan for the center position if Pocic isn’t re-signed? Luke Wypler was drafted as a true center, but has primarily played guard in live games. In the finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, Wypler was lined up at guard, and Pocic went out of the game with an injury. His replacement was backup Zak Zinter, not Wypler.
It may be quite possible that the Cleveland Browns might need to draft a new center. Jake Slaughter, out of Florida, would fit that need perfectly. So, the need is there.
Slaughter was a First Team All-American and named First Team All-SEC the past two seasons. Named team captain two years straight and allowed just one sack all year. He has been climbing up draft boards, especially with the fine practice week at the Senior Bowl. Slaughter is very intelligent, and like all centers, a technician and very organized. He allowed just four pressures all year.
Dawgs by Nature staff writer Barry Shuck was at the Senior Bowl this past week. He found Slaughter to get his thoughts.
C Jake Slaughter (6’-4”, 308 pounds)
Florida
Projection: Round 3
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Shuck: How do you describe your game?
Slaughter: I am a tremendous competitor. I work my tail off in the weight room. I work my tail off in practice. Everything is a game rep for me. And I am a good teammate and a leader.
Shuck: You played most of last year with your head coach, Billy Napier, on the hot seat and were eventually replaced after seven games. How did your team deal with all that drama all season?
Slaughter: First of all, we all loved playing for Coach Napier. He didn’t recruit me, but I was lucky that a man of his character and integrity became the coach. But everybody tried to block out the noise. We were worried about what was going on, but everyone was well aware, and it was all over social media. We did a great job of blocking all that out as much as we could. We went out and played for each other and played for the coach. We felt a sense of urgency.
Shuck: Do you have anything traditional that you do before every game?
Slaughter: I try to be flexible because you’ll play a noon kick and then a 7:30 kick. So, you’re not going to have a carbon copy game day. One thing I try to do before I go out of the tunnel every week is to get a good thump in the helmet from (defensive end) Tyreek Sapp. He’s got a hard head and a thick skull, and I like a good shot in the dome from him, and I get my mind right.
Shuck: You are just 23 years old, but you look a lot older. Do you get that much?
Slaughter: I do get the “you ought to be 30” type of comments.
Shuck: How do you handle defensive tackles that are way bigger?
Slaughter: Usually, those big guys are very strong. I just have to get up under their pads in order to move them around. But I have big arms, too, and find a way to get underneath a big guy.
Shuck: How is your run blocking?
Slaughter: I didn’t have every scheme every week, but most times it’s nothing new. I am good at the run game and love run blocking. I learn about different methods all the time and just file away new techniques. It’s fun to play ball. Anytime, as an offensive lineman, you can run the ball with high production, you take pride in games like that.
Shuck: You are known as a good cook. What are your favorite dishes?
Slaughter: I fry a lot. If I’m having the guys over – like a couple weeks ago, I did a bunch of sausages. I fried shrimp. I fried fish. I did a bunch of redfish. I was fortunate enough to get to go turkey hunting this spring a good bit. So, I did some turkey nuggets for the guys. That’s the big thing, just having fun with your guys, getting to have guys over outside of the building, getting to go hang out. But we just kind of smorgasbord it, and we have a good time with it.
Shuck: You could have come out last year and gone into the NFL draft. Why did you return to Florida?
Slaughter: I thought we had the right formula to win the SEC, then go on, and I wanted to be a part of that. But the season was mostly drama instead. They’re kicking us out after this year; they don’t want us anymore. So, it’s one of those, like, it’s kind of been ingrained in us that all we’re going to do is compete and take care of our guys. So, it’s been special.
Shuck: You are getting a lot of attention from scouts at this year’s Senior Bowl. What are your strengths?
Slaughter: I have straight power that allows me to keep gap integrity. I offer consistency, preparation, and am a dependable piece of the offensive line. I have good balance and strength, and am handling my assignments and being a leader. I am never scared to get out there and mix it up.
Shuck: At the Senior Bowl, they played you at your natural position of center, but you also got into some guard action. What are the main differences?
Slaughter: Just more space that I’m not accustomed to. There are timing differences, and the angles are a little bit different. And sometimes you get different body types to deal with. Just adjustments in run blocking.
