Rookie tackle Rashawn Slater stamped himself as a first rounder with his performances against edge defender Chase Young, most notably when Northwestern played Ohio State in 2019.
That season, Slater allowed zero sacks. In addition to giving up no quarterback takedowns, Slater gave up just one quarterback hit and four quarterback hurries on 355 pass-blocking reps.
Slater, who handled Young better than any other tackle did, will have the opportunity to replicate that in the regular season opener this Sunday when the Chargers take on Football Team.
While Slater was shaped as a prospect during the pre-draft process for his tape against Young in college, he believes that should not matter anymore as they have both developed as players in the two-year span.
“That’s the past, and he’s taken steps and I have taken steps since then,” Slater said. “So I don’t think about that past matchup as having any sort of factor. Really, it’s all about protecting Justin [Herbert] and moving the ball.”
Nonetheless, Slater will have his work cut out for him when he goes up against the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year who had 7.5 sacks, forced four fumbles and recovered three — returning one for a touchdown in 2020.
If the training camp battles against Joey Bosa are any indication how he will fare in this league, Slater is tailor-made to protect the blindside at a high level – displaying the complete package from a mental, physical and technical standpoint.
Rashawn Slater vs Chase Young😳
OT2 in the 2021 Draft Class
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 9, 2021