2021 NFL Draft: Three-round 2021 NFL mock draft with top 10 surprises
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 23rd Overall
Scouting Report. OL. Rashawn Slater. 32. Pick Analysis. Northwestern. 23. player
Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsbury and company have gotten the Arizona Cardinals on track and they are serious threats in the NFC this season. Their wide-open offensive attack is the talk of the league and Murray has a chance to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for many years.
Arizona must work to put Murray in the best possible situation to succeed going forward. Kingsbury has put together an offensive attack that plays to his strengths and the Cardinals have done a nice job of surrounding him with weapons. That being said, this offensive line needs some work and Rashawn Slater stands out as a strong pick for them here at No. 23.
Slater opted-out of the 2020 season, but was a three-year starting offensive tackle coming into the year. He is a tough and aggressive blocker who shines in the run game. Slater is quick off of the ball and extremely powerful at the point of attack. He is not the most athletic offensive lineman in this class, but he does show solid movement skills in space and mirrors well in pass protection.
Slater is at his best when he is allowed to attack forward and play aggressive, both as a run blocker and pass protector. He has always played tackle in college, but his aggressive style may fit better inside at the next level. I think Slater can stick at tackle and provide value there, but guard may end up being his better spot. Either way, he would be a valuable addition to the Arizona offensive line.