The Green Bay Packers lost TJ Slaton in free agency this offseason. The former Florida Gator signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Slaton, a former fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, logged 1,136 snaps over the past two seasons and recorded 55 run stops. While he may not have been the flashiest of players, he did the dirty work up front.
Slaton's departure leaves the Packers "thin" on the interior of the defensive line and they'll likely be looking to add another space eater on Day 3 of the draft to replace him.
Luckily for Brian Gutekunst and the Packers, the strength of this year's draft class is at defensive tackle. There is no shortage of options for the Packers as they look to replace Slaton and his production.
Let's look at nine prospects who could be targets for the Packers on Day 3 as they look to replace Slaton.
Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
At 6-2, and 332 pounds, Caldwell is a space eater. He has the mass and powerful base to anchor against double teams and clog up running lanes. He's not just there to take up space, though; the Houston transfer has the quickness and power to penetrate into the backfield and create havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
Jamaree Caldwell is an energizer bunny who will instantly improve your run defense pic.twitter.com/0DDIqPaiKe
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 9, 2025
Along with his ability to two-gap, Caldwell has upside as an interior pass rusher. He has good initial burst off the line of scrimmage and recorded 25 pressures this past season. During his two seasons in Houston, Caldwell recorded 8.5 sacks 24 pressures.
It would not be surprising if the Packers drafted Caldwell's counterpart, Derrick Harmon in the first round and came back to the Oregon talent pool to take Caldwell in the fourth round.
Cam Horsley, Boston College
Horsley was recruited to Boston College by Green Bay's defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. There is a strong chance that Hafley and his staff will be pounding the table for Horsley late on Day 3, and for good reason. Horsley may be one of the best run stoppers in the draft.
Boston College DT Cam Horsley (6027, 312) helped himself at yesterday's pro day. One of my favorite day 3 DL prospects this year.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 25, 2025
40/10: 5.04/1.73
3C: 7.67
SS: 4.74 pic.twitter.com/m3m58RwVXv
Horsley's calling card is his ability to two-gap. He's a roadblock against the run. He’s strong at the point of attack and rarely gets pushed off his spot. This past season he recorded a career-high 31 run stops.
Yahya Black, Iowa
A native of Marshall, Minnesota, Black set the Marshall High School program record for sacks. At Iowa, he made his name as a run stopper. At 6-6 and 335 pounds with long arms (35), Black is an imposing ...
