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Slade Bolden NFL Draft Profile
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Slade Bolden Scouting ReportSlade is a balanced, excellent route runner with top field awareness, setting up and selling routes beautifully. He is a savvy, natural pass-catcher with reliable hands and very good focus. He snatches the ball out of the air and shows the concentration to make acrobatic catches look easy. He often used on deep routes, getting separation down the sideline or over the middle on crossing routes by extending his arms rather than pure speed. Slade has a knack for getting open and is a quarterback's best friend, passers just need to toss the ball in his area and he'll come down with it. He does not have exceptional straight-line speed but takes advantage of open seams when his quarterback is on target. He does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Slade has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield. He is rarely caught from behind.
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Areas for ImprovementBolden has only average height and overall length. He lacks initial burst off the line of scrimmage and has more build-up speed than track wheels. He has limited explosiveness and flexibility and will struggle to separate against pro defensive backs. He does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest.
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Slade Bolden Career at SchoolSlade Bolden was a four-star prospect by Rivals.com and listed as the No. 13 player in Louisiana by the outlet and ranked as the No. 25 athlete in the 2018 class by Rivals. He was the No. 11 all-purpose back in the nation according to 247Sports and also ranked 17th in the state by 247Sports. As a senior, played quarterback and passed for 1,622 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 1,460 yards and 20 more scores and he was named the Gatorade Louisiana Football Player of the Year. In 2018, Slade worked at wideout during his first season at the Capstone. He redshirted following his freshman campaign. In 2019, Slade saw time on offense at wide receiver along with Wildcat quarterback. He also worked on special team, he recorded two receptions for 34 yards to go with four rushes for 10 yards. Slade contributed at wideout and on special teams, in 2020. He combined for 270 yards and a touchdown on 24 catches. He added one rush for a gain of one yard. He also returned seven punts for 49 yards with a long of 16. In 2021, recorded 42 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed once from the quarterback spot. He added 14 punt returns for 99 yards to go with five kickoff returns for a total of 67 yards.
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Slade Bolden NFL Draft Player ProfileSlot wide receiver Slade Bolden may not have gained the notoriety his teammates did this past season, but he still projects value as a later-round pick. He is experienced and has typical slot receiver tendencies, including strong hands, quick feet, and the ability to gain ground after the catch. Slot receivers are often deployed as mismatches in the NFL, and Bolden will look to do the same for the team that acquires him.
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