2021 NFL Draft: Chargers fortify offensive line with Rashawn Slater

Coming into this draft, the Chargers had a glaring need at the left tackle position. It now seems like they have found their franchise left tackle in drafting Rashawn Slater.

The Chargers could have chosen to fill the need at cornerback after releasing Casey Hayward. However, with Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain II off the board, Tom Telesco chose to fill another crucial need on his roster.

Slater is a highly athletic lineman with quick feet and great hands. He ran a 4.88 40-yard dash while weighing a shade over 300 pounds. Slater started 37 games in his career at Northwestern with a spectacular showing in 2019.

He allowed 0 sacks and just six QB hurries in his final season of college football action with the Wildcats. If competition is even a question, he was able to hold his own against last year’s second overall pick in Chase Young.

There has also been talk of Slater being moved inside to guard due to his lack of ideal length. However, having an offensive lineman with versatility and athleticism is a major plus for any team building around a young quarterback.

Grade: A

When you look at how the Los Angeles Chargers are constructed, you see a bright future in LA. Franchise QB in Justin Herbert, elite pass rusher in Joey Bosa, a dominating presence in Derwin James, and now a great athlete in Rashawn Slater to protect Herbert’s blindside.

With the prior need at offensive tackle, Slater will not have any time to get adjusted. He will be thrown into the fire on day one and be expected to contribute right away.

The Chargers were not able to reunite Justin Herbert with Penei Sewell, but they did get the next best thing with Slater.