Can Slaton be a Feature Back?

[Keith]

I think this is some sound analysis.

Perhaps a corrollary here to the BMI theory, a back's ability to not absorb a lot of "head-on" hits also helps the small-to-medium backs with average BMI become feature backs and stay injury-free.

I haven't seen enough of Slaton yet to know whether he is this type of inside runner, but I think this little lack of shiftiness in the bigger backs is what shortens their careers, especially after a season or two with heavy, feature back-type workloads.

I'm optimistic that in this system Slaton can someday be a feature back, with 15-20 touches per game rushing and receiving, assuming he can see the field as a blocker.

He might be part of a three-headed approach with Brown and Green this year, at least until Brown and/or Green get hurt, but it wouldn't surprise me if Slaton gets that kind of workload as the season progresses if Kubiak and Co. can trust him in picking up a blitzer.