Tag: Chargers first round

What NFL executives said about Chargers draft

There’s been a consistent trend with the Los Angeles Chargers and when they’re picking in the first round.

A week later from the 2021 NFL draft, and the Chargers are still receiving high praise from national writers and analysts for their haul.

But how do those among the league feel about the team’s draft class?

The Athletic’s Mike Sando spoke to a few NFL executives to get their opinions on Los Angeles’ draft.

Like the rest of the population, they were impressed with what general manager Tom Telesco did, especially with the selection of offensive tackle Rashawn Slater.

“I hate to say it, the Chargers, they just sit and pick and they pick good players,” an evaluator said. “It has been like that the last three or four years. Derwin James, Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater. They don’t ever trade, they just always seem to be in this sweet spot to get good players.

Many, including myself, did not expect Slater to see a slide to where the Bolts were selecting at No. 13, but after he did, it was a no-brainer for the team who needed a franchise left tackle.

“The draft fell to them in a meaningful way, but you do get confirmation bias, where everyone gave them Slater, so the fact that it worked out that way leads everyone to say it was a great pick,” an exec said.

Even though he will start his professional career as quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside blocker, people around the league feel like he will have the most success inside at guard.

“I think he will be a really good offensive lineman, and I think guard is going to be his best spot,” an exec said.

Only time will tell how Slater pans out at left tackle, but given how he fared against Chase Young along with other elite edge defenders, I think he will be just fine.

What scouts said about Chargers OT Rashawn Slater ahead of NFL draft

Find out how those around the NFL felt about the Chargers’ newest left tackle coming out of college.

Prior to the NFL draft, there were nothing but great things to say about Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater.

Rather than circling back to what the media thought of the new Chargers left tackle, how did NFL evaluators feel about Slater?

The Athletic’s Bob McGinn spoke with a few scouts ahead of the draft to get their opinions on Slater.

The first one was in awe with his testing numbers at his pro day, where he had a 33-inch vertical, 9-foot-4 broad jump and ran a 4.91 40 with an insane 1.68-second 10-yard split.

His pro day workout was unbelievable. Just extremely quick, extremely powerful.

Given the fact that he’s 6-foot-4 and 304 pounds, many thought he would have to kick inside as soon as he got to the NFL. But his play on the edges says otherwise.

The underwhelming thing about him is his size and the way he looks. He’s built more like an inside player than a tackle, but he is really good. I hardly have any negatives. He’s athletic, strong for his size, super smart. He’s a technician. I thought he could play all five positions.

The third scout felt the same way as the second scout.

He’s only got 33-inch arms. Therefore, that will lead some people to say, ‘OK, he’s only a guard.’ In the NFL today, (tackles) have to have 34-inch arms. That inch may make a difference, but I still think he can play tackle. He has wonderful athletic skills, balance and control in his play.

The bottom line is that Slater is a menace up front. He is technically sound with his upper and lower body, very intelligent, physical and consistent which shows both in the pass- and run-blocking department.

While there were concerns with his lack of height and arm length which had many plugging him as a guard, the tape shows a guy who can get the job done on each snap at tackle, which is what he will be from Day 1.