Slater the real deal at Safety? - New England Patriots Forums

JSn · 08-30-2008, 09:28 AM

I'm just wondering, do you think Slater might turn out to be a bonafide NFL safety? He sure looked good in pre-season and he's got speed, not a thing we're over-burdened with at safety right now.

Thoughts?

signbabybrady · 08-30-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

I'm just wondering, do you think Slater might turn out to be a bonafide NFL safety? He sure looked good in pre-season and he's got speed, not a thing we're over-burdened with at safety right now.

Thoughts?

He has looked pretty good but still has a way to go to be a bonified safety. But he has a real good thing going for his chances there and that is that he seems like he will have a STs spot locked up which will give him the time to develope his safety play.

***DaBruinz*** · 08-30-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

I'm just wondering, do you think Slater might turn out to be a bonafide NFL safety? He sure looked good in pre-season and he's got speed, not a thing we're over-burdened with at safety right now.

Thoughts?

Slater is Bob Sanders small for a safety. I think its much more likely he'll be a reserve dime back and special teams maven than someone who will see regular reps next to Meriweather or Harrison.

Mack Herron · 08-30-2008, 10:08 AM

Slater looked great coming up in support (causing a fumble). He has the size, attitude, and speed to play FS, which is what UCLA thought too, but he could not make it there and is completely inexperienced. I have no idea about the other qualifications, but he would have to be considered a project there. I think he has to make it on STs.

PonyExpress · 08-30-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

Slater is Bob Sanders small for a safety. I think its much more likely he'll be a reserve dime back and special teams maven than someone who will see regular reps next to Meriweather or Harrison.

Meriweather's nfldraftscout height weight is 5'10.5'' 195 lbs.

Slater's NFLdraftscout height weight is 5'10.5'' 195 lbs.

Eugene Wilson's nfldraftscout height weight is 5'10.3'' 192 lbs.

Slater may not make it at FS, but not because of his h/w.

***BelichickFan*** · 08-30-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

Slater is Bob Sanders small for a safety.

Slater's listed size is virtually identical to that of Meriweather. Sanders is a tough comp as he's short but thick.

JSn · 08-30-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PonyExpress

Meriweather's nfldraftscout height weight is 5'10.5'' 195 lbs.

Slater's NFLdraftscout height weight is 5'10.5'' 195 lbs.

Eugene Wilson's nfldraftscout height weight is 5'10.3'' 192 lbs.

Slater may not make it at FS, but not because of his h/w.

So... your saying those guys are too small to play safety. Well, I guess they're on the chopping block.

How about Slater as FS/Corner if he can develop? I mean if he can be a sure tackle and knock down passes, I think speed gives him a big edge. I'd like him as FS, personally, but I'm curious if chameleon = bust almost as often it equals stealth depth.

Pats726 · 08-30-2008, 10:50 AM

And he might also be a wideout as well...I think the ST play and being able to fill in makes him valuable...

wdkantro2 · 08-30-2008, 10:57 AM

Eventually, he could develop into a legitimate contributor on defense. Right now, though, it seems like all his tools are raw and all he really has are his physical gifts to rely on. He should be great on special teams and could play safety in super-emergency situations. I'd much rather have a guy with his tools as my last safety than a guy like Dexter Reid (see Eagles super bowl).

***Jackson 2*** · 08-30-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pats726

And he might also be a wideout as well...I think the ST play and being able to fill in makes him valuable...

Yeah, I think moving around so much due to his versatility may have prevented him from concentrating enough on one position, but that versatility is also what makes him so valuable. I think he makes the team and may eventually find a home at one spot, but he's a pretty good guy to have around right now.