During the pre-draft process, there were some evaluators who labeled Rashawn Slater as the top tackle prospect in the class, even over Lions’ Penei Sewell.
Slater, the Chargers’ first-round pick, has lived up to his hype in the early going, as veteran offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga has been highly impressed by him so far.
“Putting my scouting hat on right now even though I’m not a scout, I think physical traits-wise, he checks all those boxes,” Bulaga said, per the team’s official website.
“I think movement and his footwork and how smooth he is in pass protection and run, those are all things that are good and essential, but I think so far from what we have gone through on the field and watching tape and seeing how he’s picked up things, I’m very impressed by it.
I think he’s gonna be a guy that catches on really quick and is able to at least certainly get comfortable with the scheme before we go out there for the first time and do it for real.”
Bulaga noted that Slater could experience some growing pains, just like he did in his first season in this league. But as long as he’s comfortable with the scheme and with his assignments, and he’s constantly communicating with the other members up front, the transition should be smooth.
With reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Justin Herbert’s longevity a priority, Los Angeles needs as much talent as possible, and Slater’s presence brings a major upgrade to a crucial position.
In his final season of college, Slater was a wall against elite competition, with the likes of Chase Young (Football Team), Zack Baun (Saints) and AJ Epenesa (Bills), allowing zero sacks, just one quarterback hit and four quarterback hurries on 355 pass-blocking reps.
In training camp, which starts on July 28, Slater will really get to show his worth in one-on-ones against elite edge defender Joey Bosa.
