After coming back from a torn Achilles in college, Browns sixth-rounder Jamoris Slaughter isn’t just content to make the roster.
He’s thinking about a starting job.
Slaughter didn’t participate in OTAs or minicamp, but said he’ll be ready when training camp begins.
“I’m cleared at this point to do everything, so I’ve been feeling really good,’' Slaughter said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I’ve been working out hard with the team, just waiting to get back for training camp.’'
Slaughter suffered the injury early last season for Notre Dame, and most of his work was on a stationary bike during spring workouts.
But he thinks he can compete with Tashaun Gipson for the starting free safety job.
“Definitely,’' he said. “It’s one thing I think about every day is getting that starting position. I know it’s a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. As long I keep taking the right steps and staying positive, I think it will happen. . . .
“I’m steaming to get out there on the field, just having to watch OTAs, and minicamp,’' he said. “I’ve been getting a lot of mental reps. On that side, it’s helped me out a lot, mentally just learning the playbook and watching the guys and seeing the things they do good and bad and learn from that. I know when I step on the field and get the rust off I’ll be right back.’'
Gipson started three games last year, but Slaughter’s biggest obstacle might be his own condition. Confidence is one thing, but having realistic expectations when coming back from such an injury is key.