Chargers Hosting N.C. State EDGE Cian Slone on Pre-Draft Visit

The Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to host N.C. State EDGE Cian Slone on a pre-draft visit, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Slone recently wrapped up a visit with the New York Jets and is scheduled to meet with the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings and other teams.

The 23-year-old Rocklin, CA native spent his freshman season in JUCO football with American River College in Sacramento, recording 39 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup.

As a sophomore, he was named a California Community College Football Coaches Association All-American and the state’s Defensive MVP while leading American River College to an 8–4 record, including a league title with a 5–0 postseason record. Slone posted 84 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and a forced fumble, while leading the team in both sacks and tackles for loss and ranking second in total tackles.

Slone transferred to Utah State for his junior season in 2023, recording 28 total tackles (12 solo), four passes broken up and two sacks. He followed that season by earning second-team All-Mountain West honors, finishing the year ranked fourth in the MW and 29th nationally with 7.5 sacks, along with 49 total tackles (26 solo) for the Aggies.

He transferred to NC State as a graduate in 2025, posting 61 total tackles (24 solo), one pass breakup, one interception and 1.5 sacks. Slone earned an overall defensive grade of 77.3 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 145th among 852 qualifying edge rushers. His pass-rush grade of 65.8 ranked 426th, while his run-defense grade of 74.1 ranked 228th at the position. He generated 35 total pressures as a pass rusher and recorded 29 solo tackles against the run.

Slone was not invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine but had a strong showing at NC State’s Pro Day, running a 4.66-second 40-yard dash while posting a 35.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-1 broad jump, along with a 9.30 Relative Athletic Score out of a possible 10.0.

Slone projects as an intriguing developmental prospect for the Chargers, particularly in a scheme that values speed and athleticism off the edge. His combination of burst and a high motor should translate well on special teams early in his career, with the potential to carve out a rotational role as he continues to refine his pass-rush arsenal and improve overall consistency at the next level.

Whether Los Angeles decides to select him late on Day 3 of the draft or bring him in as an undrafted free agent, it’s a pairing that makes sense considering the team’s due diligence on the upcoming edge rusher class.