The Las Vegas Raiders signed 21 undrafted rookies this past off-season, though none have flashed as much as Raiders pass rusher Cian Slone. The undrafted rookie from NC State is coming off his lone season with the Wolfpack logging 61 tackles, 7 TFL, and just 1.5 sacks with an interception, fumble recovery, 14% pass rush win rate, and 37 pressures. Slone previously recorded 77 tackles, 16 TFL, and 10 sacks with 4 PBU, and 3 FF in his first two seasons at Utah State from 2023 to 2024. Slone received
some draft buzz, but ultimately fell to being undrafted despite great athletic testing.
The 6’3, 245 pound pass rusher has adequate arm length at 31 1/8 inches, a 4.66 40 (1.58 10-split), 35.5 vert, 10’01 broad, and 4.35 shuttle. He’s a violent, twitchy, quick mover off the line of scrimmage and shows a tremendous amount of violence, physicality, and speed to power ability that can translate to the NFL immediately. Throughout early minicamp, Slone consistently turned heads working against veterans in drills, a rare feat for undrafted rookies. Additionally, Slone also saw snaps in team drills with most of the units, and did flash as well. Heading into training camp, there’s far more battles to keep an eye on over the Raiders fifth pass rusher, but Las Vegas does have a three headed battle at the position. Jahfari Harvey, Brennan Jackson, and Slone all battling for the position.
In addition, the Raiders are likely to rotate their pass rushers heavily this season, and there’s a chance that Slone, or one of the others, may not just push for the roster but also for playtime. The undrafted free agent does have work to do, he’ll need to improve his technique, work on core strength, and also develop as a run defender where he can get washed out at times. The Raiders have seen success with undrafted free agents, specifically those from NC State with AJ Cole and Drake Thomas turning into quality player, though Thomas with the Seahawks. An underrated aspect to Slone, and one that may help push his success forward, comes in his relationship with DT Brandon Cleveland. The Raiders 7th round defensive tackle is competing for the teams nose tackle position, but Cleveland and Slone are both high level athletes, work well in stunts, and their communication has been key throughout the last 18 months at NC State and now in Las Vegas. Rob Leonard intends to run a complex defense, focused on communication, and with now three sets of former teammates, Slone may have a natural runway to snaps and a roster spot.
