NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kevin Zeitler is 35 and he signed for one year to play right guard for the Titans.
In an ideal world, fifth-round pick Jackson Slater out of Sacramento State, will work behind him and be in position to replace him in 2026.
The Titans picked Slater at No. 167.
“He has the ability to play both guard and center for us, we kind of filled two holes with that,” assistant GM Reggie McKenzie said. “This guy went to a small school, Sac State, But this guy is a good football player, We love everything about this guy, he’s everything you want in an offensive lineman. He goes about his business, he comes to work with his lunch pail and he leaves everything empty. He’s tough, he’s strong, he’s athletic.”
Why Jackson Skater stayed at @SacStateFB. #titans pic.twitter.com/GE2Xx5yErB
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 26, 2025
Blake Beddingfield on later:
“Size, bulk, short arms. Interior three-position player at both guards and center. Stronger and more powerful than athletic and a mover. Good punch and control, good strong hands. Good power blocker but struggles at times adjusting on the move.”
James Foster on Slater:
"Jackson Slater is a stout interior blocker who played left guard for Sacramento State, but could move to center at the next level. He’s a very good athlete & he verified his movement skills with an impressive pro day performance. His pass-blocking tape was very clean, but he didn’t face any quality opponents that could match his athleticism. He had a very solid performance at the Senior Bowl, however, which partially answered those concerns. He’s an athletic run blocker who thrives on zone concepts, pulls, & climbs to the 2nd level, but struggles to displace defenders at the point of attack.
"Slater’s dense build, core strength, & low center of gravity allows him to doorstop bull rushes & preserve a deep pocket. He latches onto rushers with a firm grip & rarely allows them to clear the edge once he establishes contact. He has adequate slide quickness to mirror & stay connected with cross-face moves. He’s alert passing off stunts & does a good job staying level with his center & left tackle.
"He has outstanding target location & impact power as a puller. On wide zone, he has the burst to cross a defender’s face & seal them out of the cutback lane. He’s a leaky run blocker on iso blocks along the LOS. He struggles to corral swim moves/quick sheds & defenders frequently slip out of his drive/reach blocks & penetrate the backfield."
