Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater has established himself not only as one of the top rookies but one of the better players at his position in only the first four games of his professional career.
Heading into Week 5 against the Browns, Slater draws his toughest matchup in All-Pro edge defender Myles Garrett.
Garrett has seven sacks and 25 quarterback pressures through four games, which rank first and second in the NFL, respectively.
Even though he has terrorized tackles week in and week out, Garrett knows that Slater is not to be taken lightly just because he’s a first-year player, and he acknowledges the success he has already had.
“He looks good, especially as a rookie,” Garrett said. “Has patience in his set. He’s able to negate power and the way he sets, he’s able to change it up sometimes and throw people off. I think he’s studied the game a lot to know when he has help, where his help is, whether it’s from the guard or from chippers. I like that he’s already come this far as a rookie.
Against stiff competition like Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Micah Parsons, Maxx Crosby, and Yannick Ngakoue, Slater has not given up a sack and only allowed pressure on just 3.4% of his pass-blocking snaps, which ranks eighth among left tackles.
All eyes will be on the two, as Slater will look to stymie the combination of Garrett’s speed, power, and finesse with his movement skills, technique, and strength.