Tag: Rashawn Slater Chargers

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.

Analysts grade Chargers’ first round selection of Rashawn Slater

The pick of Rashawn Slater was a home run for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers made a splash on Thursday night, selecting offensive tackle Rashawn Slater with the No. 13 overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft.

How did national writers and analysts feel about the Bolts’ first pick of the draft?

A look at the experts’ ratings of Los Angeles’ choice in the first-round:

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar: A

“The Chargers knew they needed to get more and better protection for Justin Herbert, so they signed Corey Linsley, the NFL’s best center, in free agency. Then, to get Slater at 13 without having to make a move? That’s outstanding value. You may remember Slater as the guy who beat the daylights out of reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young in 2019, and he’ll continue kicking butt on Herbert’s blind side.”

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: B

“He will be an immediate starter at left tackle, which fills a major need. Justin Herbert will be happy.”

NFL Media’s Chad Reuter: A

“Slater is not the tallest or longest tackle prospect in the draft, but he has the best tape. After all, he neutralized stud pass rusher Chase Young back in 2019. Slater plays with a nasty attitude and put up a highly impressive pro day, yet he could not convince teams he was worthy of a top-12 pick. Their loss is the Chargers’ gain, as Slater will protect Justin Herbert’s blindside for the foreseeable future.”

Fox Sports’ Rob Rang: B

“Pegged as a clear fit for the Chargers for months, Slater’s light feet, balance and technically-refined, heavy hands make him an exciting blindside pass protector for young star quarterback Justin Herbert. Slater’s lack of ideal length had some questioning whether he’ll be able to handle the speed he’ll face in the NFL – a concern given the edge rushers in Denver and Kansas City especially.”

Yahoo Sports’ Eric Edholm: A-

“The Chargers absolutely needed to add to their bulwark in front of Justin Herbert, and they get a super-athletic tackle (or is he a guard?) to help that effort. Slater opted out last season but had three seasons of starting experience for the Chargers to view — at both OT spots. They also had good intel on Slater from Cody Cejda, who joined the staff from Northwestern. A really nice pick here.”

The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia: A

“The board fell the Chargers’ way. Slater started 37 games in three seasons — 26 at right tackle and 11 at left tackle. His stock rose when Slater held his own against Chase Young in 2019. He didn’t allow a sack that entire season before opting out for 2020. Slater (6-foot-4, 304) is considered a quick processor, and he tested well athletically.

Given the Chargers’ gaping hole at left tackle, that’s almost definitely where Slater will begin his career. But he has the versatility to play right tackle or guard as well. The Chargers signed center Corey Linsley and guard Matt Feiler in free agency. They’ve completely re-made their offensive line, which was the right strategy, given what they have in Justin Herbert.”

Chargers draft Rashawn Slater: Instant analysis of the No. 13 pick

The Chargers continue to upgrade their offensive line with the addition of Rashawn Slater, a perfect combination of technician and mauler.

With the 13th pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select Rashawn Slater, offensive tackle, Northwestern.

Analysis: Without Penei Sewell’s generational talent at part of the 2021 equation, Slater would blow everyone else in this class away as the OT1, and I have no issue with the people who have him there anyway. It took another Sewell watch session to break the tie for me late in the process. Any NFL executive who reduces Slater’s potential in his offense based on height or arm strength should undergo a thorough examination of his evaluative skills. Slater is a tackle, he’s a left tackle, and he has every tool in the toolbox to be a great one in the NFL sooner than later.

Grade: A. The Chargers knew they needed to get more and better protection for Justin Herbert, so they signed Corey Linsley, the NFL’s best center, in free agency. Then, to get Slater at 13 without having to make a move? That’s outstanding value. You may remember Slater as the guy who beat the daylights out of reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young in 2019, and he’ll continue kicking butt on Herbert’s blind side.

Chargers draft Rashawn Slater: Instant analysis of the No. 13 pick

The Chargers continue to upgrade their offensive line with the addition of Rashawn Slater, a perfect combination of technician and mauler.

With the 13th pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select Rashawn Slater, offensive tackle, Northwestern.

Analysis: Without Penei Sewell’s generational talent at part of the 2021 equation, Slater would blow everyone else in this class away as the OT1, and I have no issue with the people who have him there anyway. It took another Sewell watch session to break the tie for me late in the process. Any NFL executive who reduces Slater’s potential in his offense based on height or arm strength should undergo a thorough examination of his evaluative skills. Slater is a tackle, he’s a left tackle, and he has every tool in the toolbox to be a great one in the NFL sooner than later.

Grade: A. The Chargers knew they needed to get more and better protection for Justin Herbert, so they signed Corey Linsley, the NFL’s best center, in free agency. Then, to get Slater at 13 without having to make a move? That’s outstanding value. You may remember Slater as the guy who beat the daylights out of reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young in 2019, and he’ll continue kicking butt on Herbert’s blind side.

Chargers 2021 NFL Draft Target: Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, a potential draft target, under the microscope.

Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 305

College Bio Page

One-Liner

Slater doesn’t possess ideal height or length and could be moved inside, but his athletic skill set and overall technique project well as a blind-side protector.

Highlights

Strengths

Has made 37 starts across both tackle positions, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2019.

Agile feet, smooth shuffle and natural knee bend in his kick slide to gain proper depth. Solid anchor strength to recover. Good mirror skills to counter.

Very technically sound with his upper body, hands are patient. Great, savvy hand techniques to win early.

Good reactive athleticism and lateral agility to change direction quickly and nullify stunts.

Generates torque from his hips. Quick first step, initiates contact, and regularly keeps his feet moving to push the defender several yards back.

Very good pull quickness and is skilled at progressing to the second level and supplying impactful blocks in space.

Very alert player to quickly react and reset. Eager blocker through the whistle. Natural-born competitor. Praised for his work ethic and smarts.

Weaknesses

Very good upper- and lower-body strength, but his ability to sustain could be limited due to his arm length.

Caught leaning into blocks and sometimes ends up on the ground.

Can occasionally get sloppy with his footwork and establish a narrow base, attributing to instances where balance becomes an issue.

Chargers Fit

Slater has the experience and athleticism to start early as a left tackle for Los Angeles. However, his body type and skill set translate very well to guard or center, and L.A. could certainly believe his more promising future is inside.

Projected Round: 1st