10 in 10: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting
Up next in this 2026 NFL Draft scouting series is one of the most consistent offensive linemen in the country: Jake Slaughter. Check back tomorrow and every day between now and kickoff in Week 0 on the 23rd of August.
No. 9 - Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Prospect Details
Name: Jake Slaughter
College: Florida
Year: Redshirt Senior
Measurables: 6’4, 294 pounds
Scheme Fit: Center in a zone-blocking scheme
Background
Originally committed to Florida State, but flipped once he received an offer from Florida. Slaughter played sparingly for Florida over his first couple of seasons before breaking out in his redshirt sophomore campaign. A former 3-star recruit out of Trinity HS, his breakout year was a result of the initial starter, Kingsley Eguakun, missing most of the season due to injury. In the four games when Eguakun was healthy, Slaughter was relegated to the bench.
In 2024, he was named First Team All-American by AP. He was named First Team All-American by Pro Football Focus, Second-Team All-American by CBS Sports and First-Team All-SEC by USA Today Sports and the AP. He started all 13 games at center, leading the Gators’ offensive line in offensive snaps with 800. Making that even more impressive is the fact that he faced a murderer’s row of defensive tackles like Walter Nolen, Alfred Collins, Shemar Turner, Deone Walker, Omarr Norman-Lott and Joshua Farmer. All of those players were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Excellent run blocker who flashes high-end power and leverage. Capable of moving the pile with leg drive and keeps a good grip on what has been a tough run against seriously talented defensive linemen in the SEC.
2. Active feet and overall a good athlete in space. At 294, he moves well and has some potential to get out in space or explode to the 2nd level. He was even used on pulling plays to the edge more often in 2024, showcasing his improvement.
3. Consistent pass blocker on every snap. Rarely gives up pressures (only 9 in 2024) and only allowed one sack, while generally maintaining a clean pocket for his QB.
4. Slaughter has been a durable player since the moment he stepped into the starting role in 2023. Led Florida in offensive snaps in 2024 and has been one of the nation's best at staying in the field.
5. Smooth operator at the position. Never looks overly panicked or drops his technique, lunging or getting off balance. Generally plays with an excellent demeanour, which should translate to any level.
Development Points
1. Struggles with length at times. When defensive tackles line up on an over front, they can swim through his blocks and force the QB to exit the pocket into trouble.
2. Has not played any other position except for center. No real positional versatility to speak of, so will be drafted to play there alone.
3. Can struggle to stay in front, particularly on stunts and twists. Loses track occasionally and can't adjust mid-rep, so something to clean up.
4. His hand usage needs maturing. Would benefit from improving his grip strength and his timing on the punch to help keep him connected through the end of the rep.
5. A little on the smaller side at 294. Would have been among the smallest interior linemen at the 2025 draft if he had declared at that weight.
Summary
Slaughter has been Mr. Consistent for the Gators since stepping in to start at center at the beginning of the 2023 season. He gave up only 1 sack in the 2024 season and is a smooth operator and above-average athlete. He doesn't jump off the film consistently and struggles with length and some of the twitchier tackles he has faced in the SEC gauntlet. However, Slaughter should be viewed as a high-floor prospect who has the potential to be an above-average starter for multiple years at the center position. Slaughter will be tasked with keeping Sophomore phenom QB, DJ Lagway upright if the Gators are to make an unlikely College Football Playoff bid.
Player Comp: Tyler Linderbaum
Team Fits: 49ers, Rams, Packers, Commanders
Grade: 6.8/9.0 (Top 50 Grade)