Tag: Rashawn Slater

PFF identifies perfect early/late-round fits for Chargers in 2021 NFL draft

Pro Football Focus hones in on the offensive line for the Chargers.

With the 2020 season in the rearview, all attention has shifted to what the Los Angeles Chargers can do to their roster this offseason to be as competitive as possible to dethrone AFC West rivals, Kansas City Chiefs.

The 2021 NFL draft is one of the biggest events where the Bolts can pull out a slew of young talent.

Pro Football Focus recently identified the perfect fits for every team in the early and late-round.

Sitting with the No. 13 overall selection, Los Angeles will have plenty of the top prospects available when they’re on the clock.

Given the huge need to address the offensive line, PFF has former Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater as the perfect fit for the early-round.

Slater is the dream scenario for the Chargers sitting at 13 overall. He’s versatile enough to play all five positions and the most technically advanced lineman in the draft.

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.

If the Chargers were to land Slater, it would be a home run.

The perfect late-round fit for the Chargers that PFF identified is former Tennessee guard Trey Smith.

Smith is more of a boom-or-bust player who, despite his hype, never earned above a 73.1 pass-blocking grade in four seasons at Tennessee.

If it weren’t for an injury history, Smith would be a candidate to go in the first-round. However, I still believe he is going to be a second-round selection.

Regardless, Smith would be a plug-and-play guard for the Bolts. While he is limited as an athlete, he has the measurables, strength in pass protection and run-blocking prowess needed at the next level.

Perfect “late-round” options would include Illinois’ Kendrick Green, East Carolina’s D’Ante Smith, Notre Dame’s Robert Hainsey, BYU’s Brady Christensen, among others.

Mock Draft Roundup: Cowboys favoring CB, OL prospects

The Cowboys have plenty of need for 2021, but most mocks have them eyeing Patrick Surtain or Rashawn Slater… with one notable surprise.

The sudden appearance of Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford into the pool of acquirable talent may have shaken up the big boards of many teams around the league and caused some to rethink their draft strategy. But seemingly not the Cowboys. Despite the uncertain long-term employment prospects of Dak Prescott in Dallas, No. 4 isn’t going anywhere in 2021. And that means the front office’s objective with the tenth overall pick is unlikely to change.

Could Jerry and Stephen Jones trade out of that spot to a club eager to pay out, reach up, and snatch a top-ten-talent youngster? Of course, but the Cowboys’ needs are too glaring across the board to not view that early selection as a prime opportunity to bring an elite superstar-in-the-making into the fold.

While some of this week’s mock drafts forecast movement among teams based on a Stafford trade, none of the scenarios here had the Cowboys moving out of the tenth pick. Two names came up repeatedly- one on offense and one on defense- that would beef up areas of obvious weakness. Another mock entertained the familiar notion of a name Cowboys fans have had repeatedly this offseason. And one hypothetical draft went outside the box to add a playmaker to a positional group that is already top-tier in the league.

Giants select OT Rashawn Slater in latest USA TODAY mock draft

In the latest mock draft from USA TODAY’s Nate Davis, the New York Giants select Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater.

[jwplayer 9xxun23k]

Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has become the consensus pick for the New York Giants at No. 11 in most mock drafts, but there are still a few outliers who have stuck with Florida tight end Kyle Pitts and others.

Then there is USA TODAY’s Nate Davis, who has decided to go in a completely different direction for the Giants. In fact, he’s tossed a completely new name into the mix and it appears to have come out of left field.

In Davis’ most recent mock, he has the Giants selecting Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater in Round 1.

11. New York Giants – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Despite investments they’ve made in the offensive line, it continues to be a weakness after a season when QB Daniel Jones was sacked 45 times in 14 games. Slater was a guard in high school but played both tackle spots for the Wildcats and could settle in opposite 2020 first-rounder Andrew Thomas.

Given the Giants’ dire needs at wide receiver and tight end, it seems unlikely they’d waste a first-round pick on another offensive tackle. And if they didn’t want a playmaker, the need for an edge rusher and a second cornerback also outweighs the need for another offensive tackle.

Although Cam Fleming may not return in 2021, the Giants do have Matt Peart waiting in the wings. He saw significant playing time as a rookie and flashed potential long-term potential. It’s likely he steps into the RT role next season.

Still, anything is possible, especially considering general manager Dave Gettleman is calling the shots. But don’t bank on the Giants going OT in Round 1.

[lawrence-related id=663957,663933,663931]

Dane Brugler gives Cowboys Tyron Smith protection in 2-round mock draft

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s Mock Draft 2.0 brings the Dallas Cowboys their left tackle of the future in Rashawn Slater.

There’s room for optimism moving forward for the Dallas Cowboys. The disaster that was the 2020 campaign can largely be pinned on a rash of injuries not seen around the Metroplex in some time. To believe that the same kind of bad injury luck won’t rear its ugly head going forward would is fair, but not preparing for the worst would be foolish. This means there will be tough decisions for the front office come April’s NFL Draft.

The prevailing thought is that the Cowboys need to draft defense early and often. There’s no doubt that’s where the team has suffered the most over the years, but The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has another position in mind in his Mock Draft 2.0. With pick No. 10, Dallas selects:

Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Many fans will disapprove of any pick that isn’t a defensive player, but the Cowboys’ offensive line woes were a constant theme all season. Not only does Slater have NFL-ready talent, he offers the versatility to play tackle or guard, giving the Cowboys much-needed flexibility.

The elephant in the room here is the status of Tyron Smith, perhaps the oldest 30-year-old on the planet. From 2016-2019 he missed three games a season. Last year he played in only two and underwent neck surgery. There’s been a growing undercurrent of concern throughout the season that Smith could hang it up for good. He wouldn’t be the first Cowboys player to retire unexpectedly, but even if he’s able to play the majority of the year, it’s not the worst idea to have a backup plan as talented as Slater ready to go.

Players still on the board at the time are tight end Kyle Pitts out of Florida and cornerback Patrick Surtain II out of Alabama. The age old question of best player available vs. need will be on full display for Dallas in the first round come April. In the second round, Brugler has the Cowboys addressing a hole in the defense that’s existed for nearly two decade.

44. Dallas Cowboys — Trevon Moehrig, FS, TCU
The last time the Cowboys drafted a safety in the first two rounds was when they took Roy Williams in 2002, so Moehrig would go counter to the organization’s drafting history. But he would give Dallas a much-needed upgrade over free safety Xavier Woods.

Adding a safety with a top-50 pick seems like a pipe dream. One would be hard pressed to find another team that’s ignored a position as badly as the Cowboys have ignored free safety. For years it’s been a potpourri of mediocre free agents and mid-to-late-round draft picks manning the spot. This pick is almost too good to be true.

[vertical-gallery id=661889][listicle id=661855][lawrence-newsletter]

6 options to replace Colts LT Anthony Castonzo

How the Colts can replace Anthony Castonzo.

Indianapolis Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday, just a few days after the 2020 season officially came to a close for his team.

Though it doesn’t seem like a big surprise given he had season-ending ankle surgery and was on a deal that didn’t include any guaranteed money for the final year of his latest extension.

Now, the Colts have to find his replacement for the 2021 season and beyond. Here are six options early in the process to replace Castonzo at left tackle:

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

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler breaks down Chargers’ draft targets, sleepers

Find out some potential targets for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 NFL draft.

With the 2020 regular season behind us, figuring out how the Chargers can build their roster this offseason to get back to their winning ways is the main priority.

A big part of the roster-building process is the NFL draft. I’ve been hard at work watching film and doing scouting reports on these prospects, which will eventually start rolling out soon.

To get ahead, I reached out to draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic to get his thoughts on what Los Angeles might do come April.

What’s the best-case scenario for the Chargers if they stay at No. 13?

Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater.

I’m focusing on four positions for the Chargers in this draft: offensive tackle, guard, defensive end and cornerback. Of those four, which is the deepest in this draft class and which is the weakest?

Tackle and edge defender look like the deepest of those four positions. Both positions extend into Day 2 and even Day 3. Cornerback is close, as well, making guard the weakest of those four, especially with Kentucky’s Darian Kinnard returning to school.

If the Chargers don’t select a pass rusher in the first two rounds, they could be looking for one in the middle of the draft. What are some possible options that could end up being double-digit sack guys down the road?

I don’t know about double-digit sacks guys, but Pitt’s Rashad Weaver is really intriguing, especially if he’s still around in the third round. Houston’s Payton Turner has a relentless motor. Notre Dame’s Daelin Hayes has yet to play his best football.

The same thing but for offensive tackles?

Northern Iowa’s Spencer Brown is very raw and I worry about the power, but he is still developing and could end up being a steal. Cincinnati’s James Hudson is a former defensive lineman with minimal experience, but he plays with outstanding balance, light feet and strong hands. And then Marshall’s Josh Ball, who is a Florida State transfer, is another interesting value. Wish he were better in the run game, but he has pass pro skills.

Who are some late-round cornerbacks that could contribute right away?

Arizona State’s Jack Jones comes with character flags, which is why he will still be available in the late rounds, but his toughness and athleticism are NFL-ready. California’s Cam Bynum doesn’t have NFL speed or twitch, but he is smart, tough, and doesn’t make mental mistakes, which could get him on the field early.

With the Senior Bowl coming up, who are some players to watch for Los Angeles?

Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins, Notre Dame OT Liam Eichenberg, Michigan CB Ambry Thomas and Oregon State EDGE Hamilcar Rashed. Four talented players in the top-3 round mix who could be fits for the Chargers.

Offensive prospects Chargers could target with No. 13 pick in 2021 NFL draft

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down six offensive targets for Los Angeles in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.

The next head coach of the Chargers is going to want to build around rookie sensation quarterback Justin Herbert, which is why the offensive side of the ball could be heavily addressed both in free agency and the NFL draft.

With that being said, let’s dive into some potential offensive targets for Los Angeles with pick No. 13.

OL Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

When L.A. was projected to have a top-5 selection just a couple of months ago, former Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell was commonly being mocked to them. Even though Sewell is likely out of the Bolts’ range, there are still a few tackles worth considering when the Chargers are on the clock, starting with Slater.

Slater, the 6-foot-3 and 305 pounder, started his collegiate career as the Wildcats’ right tackle before making the transition to the left side, where he had an impressive outing against former Ohio State and current Redskins edge defender Chase Young in 2019.

Slater is a good athlete and light on his feet. In the pass game, he is very technically sound with his upper body. In the run game, he moves upfield quickly, squares up defenders in space. He has very good competitive toughness and works hard in through all four quarters.

His knock is that he lacks the height and arms necessary to remain at tackle, but his agility and athleticism will allow him to kick inside and be an effective player at either guard or center, where Los Angeles could use help, given the future uncertainty of Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6

Updated 2021 NFL Draft order after the Eagles 37-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles were officially eliminated from playoff contention after the team’s 37-17 road loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=76u4nxzWRM-1086790-7498&format=json&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right&float=on

The Philadelphia Eagles were officially eliminated from playoff contention after the team’s 37-17 road loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

While other franchises can start preparing for the playoffs, the Eagles can start to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

With their loss to the Cowboys, the Eagles would hold the No. 6 pick in the draft if the season ended today per Tankathon.

2021 Mock Draft Roundup 1.0: Who experts are projecting Chargers to select

The Los Angeles Chargers have to upgrade both sides of the football.

The Chargers are currently projected to hold the No. 5 overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft after dropping to the Bills on Sunday.

Sitting at 3-8, all attention has been shifted to the upcoming offseason and what Los Angeles could do to bolster an already talented roster.

With that being said, let’s take a look at who draft experts are pairing with L.A. in the first-round along with the reasoning for it.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler — CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama

“The Chargers would be wise to invest in the offensive line to protect their quarterback, but it might not be an option this early in the draft if Sewell is off the board. Instead, their focus moves to defense, where cornerback has been a consistent issue for them this season. Surtain isn’t going to run a blazing 40-yard dash time, but he can pattern match from press and find the football downfield.”

Pro Football Network’s Matt Valdovino — CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama

“Surtain lacks an elite physical profile, but he plays with patience and understands the game that allows him to cover the best. He is aggressive when the ball’s in the air and plays calm and collected, which keeps him from getting burnt. He’s big and long enough to handle even the most physical of receivers, and he provides some youth to the cornerback room.”

The Draft Network’s Brent Weissman — CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

“While the Chargers desperately need help along their offensive line, no offensive line prospect is worth a top-five selection outside of Sewell. I considered going Ja’Marr Chase here and giving Justin Herbert another weapon on the outside, but I instead went with Virginia Tech’s cover man Caleb Farley. Farley has the length and athletic ability that teams covet in their corners and can step in right away and improve a defense that has struggled in 2020.”

NJ Advance Media’s Mike Kaye — CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

“A cornerback run! Gus Bradley loves defensive backs with size, and Farley fits the bill at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds.”

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso — OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

“Some are going to view Slater as a guard in the NFL. The Chargers need those. But most important is the left tackle, protecting Justin Herbert on throws down the middle and to his right. Slater can be a fine tackle in the NFL. His 2019 film was more than enough evidence, and technique and balance is more important than sheer size at that position.”

CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards — EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami

“Melvin Ingram is scheduled to be a free agent after the season. In a year where the salary cap is expected to plummet, Los Angeles has the chance to add a young talent while creating some breathing room.”