2021 NFL Draft: Best pick by every AFC West team
Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
Round 1, 13th Overall
The Los Angeles Chargers started the offseason out very well. Despite losing security blanket tight end Hunter Henry to free agency, they brought in a ton of help in the trenches. Corey Linsley, fresh off an All-Pro selection in 2020, will help anchor the offensive line. They also brought in lineman Matt Feiler who could slide in to either guard spot.
Then, in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Chargers stayed put at 13 and got a top talent at tackle. Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater opted out of the 2020 season, but put on a clinic in his 2019 tape, most notably against Chase Young. He is the easy choice for best selection.
Slater does an excellent job in pass protection, showing the lateral quickness to mirror rushers and recover when he’s beaten inside. He has great grip strength and hand placement to keep rushers off balance, even when they get into a half-man scenario. Slater also gets after it in the run game and has the athleticism to climb to the second level and seal off defenders. He can reach block and turn defenders away from the play.
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This commitment to the offensive line, especially Slater at the top of the 2021 NFL Draft, shows that this could be a different Chargers team. It may take some time, but they are locked in to be long-term contenders.