2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 13th overall
Scouting Report. OT. Rashawn Slater. 13. Pick Analysis. Northwestern. 13. player
When your starting offensive tackles are graded as the 65th and 74th best tackles in the NFL by Pro Football Focus it is time to upgrade the position. That is the case with the Chargers, and one of the reasons they take an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The team also needs to prioritize protecting Justin Herbert as he has shown the ability to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
If the Chargers were able to draft Rashawn Slater with this pick they would be getting a player who could step in at either tackle spot and play from day one. The main reason for this is Slater is a very smart player who plays with great technique. He also shows the strength to be a strong run blocker and the quick feet to hold up against the best pass rushers. If you are looking for proof of this just check out how much Slater dominated Chase Young in 2019.
The only knock on Slater is that he lacks elite height coming in at only 6-foot-3. He also does not have the longest arms. Despite these concerns, I still think Slater could be a very good starting tackle in the NFL. Even if I am proven wrong and he doesn’t have the physical traits to play tackle he would make a very good offensive guard in the NFL.
If the Chargers took Slater with the 13th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, I would look for Slater to compete for the starting left tackle job. If he lost this battle the Chargers could then move him to right tackle or guard.