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
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
Starting to watch the opt-out guys, and Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater (#70) vs. Chase Young last year is fun… pic.twitter.com/FdcVUb4lwS
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) October 13, 2020
Rashawn Slater does well against Kenny Willekes on this rep… then Hunter Johnson…. well he Hunter Johnsons everything pic.twitter.com/ssOEA4Cfa6
— Mike Spencer Hrynyshyn (@MikeH_Draft) May 1, 2020
Northwestern LT Rashawn Slater showing off quick lateral agility to redirect inside and then back outside #NFLDraft #Northwestern #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/7eFpWJ05u9
— Brian Johannes (@Draft_Brian) July 30, 2020
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.