Cian Slone NFL Draft Interview: Dominating The Senior Bowl

The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. NC State linebacker Cian Slone plans on taking full advantage. Slone recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.

Slone also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, playing a versatile role at linebacker, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Slone better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.

JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?

Cian Slone: I was in the hotel getting ready for the Gasparilla Bowl. I was hanging around the upstairs area of the hotel. I got a call informing me I was being invited to the Senior Bowl. I was overcome with emotion. I’m still feeling very thankful for the invite.

It was a no-brainer to accept the invitation.

JM: That sounds like an unforgettable moment for you. It doesn’t sound like you needed much convincing, but what motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?

Cian Slone: The best of the best compete in Mobile. There’s no better opportunity to prove myself not only to NFL scouts, but to everyone who has been supporting me on this journey as well.

It’s about proving that I am one of the best of the best. It’s a golden opportunity.

JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?

Cian Slone: I’m going to be completely honest about who I’ve been as a player. I want them to get a full picture of my college journey. I feel like I could be a very productive player in the NFL. I can play for a long time. I’m excited to communicate that to the scouts.

Obviously, I’m looking forward to actually proving that in Mobile.

JM: We love the confidence. How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us. Are you a downhill thumper? Are you more athletic in space?

Cian Slone: I’m very physical at the point of attack. I play with a lot of effort. I can play every role at linebacker. I thrive in space. I can play off the ball at the apex or in coverage. I also feel like I’m very versatile with position flexibility. I can rush the passer, too.

I showcased a lot of flexibility at Utah State and NC State. I proved that to my coaches and I ran with the roles given to me. I’m ready to display a versatile skill set in any defense.

JM: You went the JUCO route before ending up at Utah State and NC State. It’s been a winding road to the Senior Bowl for you. How do you look back on the journey?

Cian Slone: I’m just thankful for all the steps and obstacles I’ve had to overcome. I didn’t really have any offers coming out of high school. I didn’t have much traction with coaches at that level. I went to junior college for two years and bettered myself.

I was fortunate to eventually land at Utah State. I grew a ton as a person. I was very fortunate to transfer to NC State as well and finish my career with the Wolfpack. It’s been a long road, for sure, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL player, who would you choose and why? Is there anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?

Cian Slone: I would definitely say Maxx Crosby. I feel like we move very similarly. I try to emulate his motor and effort on every single play. I think that’s what sets Maxx Crosby apart from the rest of the guys in the NFL.

I would definitely say Maxx Crosby and his pass-rushing style. I love the way he attacks every play.

JM: That’s a very interesting choice. You’ve played more off-ball linebacker, but you’re going with Maxx Crosby for that answer.

Cian Slone: I played in a 3-4 base defense at NC State last year. We kinda locked up our outside linebackers on the line of scrimmage a ton. The majority of my snaps, I was playing a five [technique], or if they had a tight end on the line, I was playing a six or a nine [technique].

I played in a four-down front for most of my career, where I was pretty much playing defensive end. I was fortunate enough to play in NC State’s 3-4 defense last year. It allowed me to use my athleticism in a different way.

JM: You’ve been versatile on tape. We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Cian Slone?

Cian Slone: I want to be dominant. My plan is to head to Mobile and play as hard as I can. I want to show everyone that I play with a high motor and a ton of effort. I obviously want to win my one-on-ones, my individual drills.

I want to play well in the team periods and the scrimmages. I’m going to play with a level of intensity while holding myself to a high standard the entire week.