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2024 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Joey Slackman, DT, Penn

Joey Slackman was a standout wrestler who has become a fierce competitor on the DL for UPenn. Hula Bowl scout Mike Bey breaks down Slackman as an NFL Prospect in his report.
Joey Slackman was a standout wrestler who has become a fierce competitor on the DL for UPenn. Hula Bowl scout Mike Bey breaks down Slackman as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Joey Slackman, #97
School (Code)PAUN
DOB, Class YrN/A, SR
Height, Weight6026e, 295e
40 Yd DashN/A
Arms, HandsN/A, N/A
Position/DepthDT/1st
Honors/CaptainshipHonorable Mention All-Ivy (’22)
Season Viewed (yr)2022
Games WatchedCTYA, @RIBR, @NYCN, MAHA
Scout Name / DateMike Bey / 6/10/23

Per Year Stats 

202210 GP, 10 GS, 49 Tkl, 9.5 TFL, 4.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 2 PD
20219 GP, 1 GS, 16 Tkl, 2.5 Sacks, 1 FF
2020DNP (Covid)
2019DNP (Wrestling)

Player Summary:

SR and 1 yr full-time starter at DT where he aligns as a 1T,2i and 3T in the 4-3 heavy defense of PAUN. He wrestled for PAUN before joining the football team in ’21. He possesses solid height and subpar weight with a powerful build. He is a solid athlete showing a combination of solid explosiveness, acceleration, COD, lateral quickness and agility with average balance and solid play speed. He is above-average against the run. He displays solid burst off the ball and displays above-average UOH as he delivers a powerful punch to the frame of the OG with adequate length and size before disengaging. He locates the ball carrier and makes the tackle in his gap against the inside run. Against the outside run, he displays solid range, lateral quickness and agility in pursuit before making the tackle near the LOS. He shows good gap integrity as he uses his quality play strength to stand his ground against the double-team block from OG/OT with average physical toughness. He is solid against the pass. He uses his very good play strength with solid UOH in his punch, placement and timing as he walks back OG with average length before disengaging. He displays solid lateral quickness and agility as he stunts and twists towards the C gap or opposite B gap. He plays with a good motor in pursuit and finishes up with a sack or a hurry. He exhibits good competitive toughness both physically at the POA and rises to the occasion in the 4th qtr in close games. He possesses an ordinary pass rush move repertoire consisting of a bullrush and a rip move. Adequate counter ability causes him to struggle to quickly disengage from OG/OT with good physical toughness, play strength and reactive athleticism if he is unable to win with his initial move. He struggles to consistently play at a good pad level allowing OT/OG with good length, play strength and bend to negate his progress at the LOS against the run and pass. 

Scheme Fit:

IDL in 4-3.

Power Statement:

Powerful, tough player who plays well overall against the run and pass. Lack of quality counter ability combined with ordinary flexibility causes him to struggle to quickly disengage when he loses the leverage battle against flexible, athletic OL with good length.

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