2021 NFL Draft: One legend that each first round draft pick reminds us of

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Rashawn Slater (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft 2021: Detroit Lions pick Rashawn Slater, compares to Willie Roaf

With quarterback Justin Herbert slinging the ball all over the field, it was only right that the Los Angeles Chargers got him some massive protection. Few options were better than Rashawn Slater. He projects to be a splitting image of Hall of Fame offensive tackle, Willie Roaf.

Not only do the measurables line up with Slater standing at six foot four and 315 pounds compared to Roaf’s six foot five inch 320 pound frame but the manner in which they played was similar as well.

Slater plays the game in a violent way. If a defensive lineman even thinks about getting close to his QB, he’ll make them pay by pushing their head in the dirt. As a junior in 2019, Slater allowed exactly zero sacks. To no surprise, Roaf produced plenty of seasons where some of the greatest defensive linemen of all time such as Reggie White, couldn’t get within arms distance of his signal-caller.

The combine numbers aren’t too far off either, although Slater does measure a bit better. He ran faster in the 40, clocking in at 4.88 to Roaf’s 5.03. Slater also registered 33 bench press reps of 225 pounds compared to Roaf’s 25.

So not only are the measurables and overall talent virtually the same but Slater edged Roaf according to the combine numbers. If everything goes just right, Slater could end up becoming the overall better player.

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