Chicago Bears: 5 Offensive tackles to target in 2021 NFL Draft
Scouting Report. . player. 882. Pick Analysis. Northwestern. Rashawn Slater.
Rashawn Slater played ball for Northwestern and some consider him the top offensive lineman in the 2021 NFL Draft. He measures in at 6-4 and weighs 315 pounds. He has great athleticism for his size. He gets to the second level quickly and with ease and does a great job of blowing open big holes for the running back.
Slater opted out of the 2020 season so 2019 was the last time we saw him play. He went up against the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young and handled him well.
He has the quickness to kick out against any pass rusher and has power in his hands to stop a pass rusher cold. Additionally, he has good lower body strength to anchor, making it difficult to get past him.
Slater is fundamentally sound and uses near perfect technique. You’ll rarely see him reaching and getting off balance. Slater can excel in a number of positions. In addition to tackle, he also played guard and center. With his strength and sound technical skills, he can be a Pro Bowl player in any position he plays.
The Northwestern product sometimes depends on his power too much. When pulling, his first step is sometimes too slow. He made up for it by using his strength to eventually obliterate the defender, but he won’t always be able to do that at the professional level. The defenders on the next level are quick and strong and if he is too late to get off it’ll cause problems. He needs to be a little more consistent.
Slater could compete for a starting job right away. If Leno slips at any time, Slater can come in and take over. He’ll be a beast on any offensive line for years to come.