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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Dec 12, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater (70) in the second half against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers

2021 Stats:

  • 16 Games Started

2021 was a season that ended in disappointment for the Los Angeles Chargers as they finished 9-8 and missed the postseason. While a winning record is an encouraging sign, there was a time when the Chargers were expected to be in contention for the AFC West title.

They were off to a hot start while the Kansas City Chiefs were not. But as the season went on, the Chiefs got rolling and while the Bolts stayed in the Wild Card race, they lost in overtime to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18. It was a last-second loss as well as Daniel Carlson knocked in a late kick, but had he missed, they would have made it to the playoffs as a tie would have sent both teams in.

Even with the loss, there’s still a lot of hype around this team thanks to the play of quarterback Justin Herbert. Another reason to feel confident in them is the play of left tackle Rashawn Slater.

The Northwestern product did more than just hold his own as he was a top-10 player according to Pro Football Focus. So not only do the Chargers have their franchise quarterback but also a franchise left tackle to keep him upright —‚and both are playing at a high level as they haven’t even hit their prime yet.

Grade: A+

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