Cian Slone is a edge defender and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who finished his collegiate career with the NC State Wolfpack after previous stops at American River College and Utah State. A native of Rocklin, California, Slone began his career at American River College in North Highlands, California, where he earned California Community College Football Coaches Association All-American honors and the state's Defensive MVP award after recording 84 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks over two seasons. He then transferred to Utah State, where he posted 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks over two seasons and earned Second Team All-Mountain West honors in his final year, before transferring to NC State for a final season of eligibility in 2025, where he served as a key contributor in the Wolfpack's JACK linebacker role and earned an invitation to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.
Standing 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Slone is known for his high motor, physical and violent temperament in run defense, and a quick first step off the line of scrimmage. His combination of linebacker-edge hybrid versatility and multi-program experience drew attention at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, where he continued to impress with his competitiveness and physicality, and NFL evaluators project him as a developmental pass rusher with special teams value and the athleticism to compete for a roster spot at the next level.
