Rashawn Slater NFL Draft 2021 Prospect Profile: Versatile OT Ready To Contribute Immediately
@SteelersWireAKThis is The Game Day’s Rashawn Slater NFL Draft 2021 Prospect Profile. After you read our Rashawn Slater Scouting Report, head over to Marcus Mosher’s first 2021 NFL Mock Draft for Round 1.
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Rashawn Slater NFL Draft Prospect Profile
Rashawn Slater NFL Draft Prospect: Bio & Measurables
- School: Northwestern
- Class in Final Season: Junior
- Age on NFL Draft Day: 22
- Height: 6-feet-4
- Weight: 315 pounds
Rashawn Slater Scouting Report
Strengths
- Excellent slide blocker
- Manages assignments in any area of field
- Incredibly mobile and athletic for an offensive lineman
- High level of on-field awareness in all situations
- Quick feet
- Versatile
- Operates with confidence
- Tremendous second-level blocker
- Sustains blocks
- Experienced against good competition
- Capable of shutting down linebackers and defensive backs in the box
- Works best in zone-blocking scheme
Needs Improvement
- Below average overall size for offensive tackle
- Lacks heavy hands
- Struggles to finish blocks
- Lacks dominant strength in his base
Rashawn Slater NFL Outlook
Offensive lineman Rashawn Slater projects to go in the top half of the 2021 NFL draft thanks to his positional flexibility. Slater was a full-time starter at both left (11 starts) and right tackle (26 starts) in all three seasons at Northwestern but can also play on the interior. Slater did not allow a single sack in 2019 while protecting quarterback Ryan Hilinski‘s blindside.
Slater’s value comes in being an immediate starter on any team’s line, but he would thrive in schemes that play to his strengths — outside runs, pull blockers, screen passes, and sending blockers to the second level. While he’s shorter than most tackles, he makes up for it with quick feet and strong technique.
Slater hasn’t seen live game action since 2019, but tape of his previous seasons should tell teams everything they need to know about the versatile lineman.
Rashawn Slater NFL Comparison
Slater’s elite athleticism and football IQ draws comparisons to former Philadelphia Eagles veteran tackle Jason Peters. Both standing at 6-foot-4, they move bodies. In Peters’ prime, he was a great pass-blocker and run-stuffer, and Slater projects to do the same in his pro career.
Rashawn Slater NFL Draft Team Fits
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ biggest positional need is in the offensive trenches. In the 2020 NFL Draft, Minnesota selected a pure left tackle, Ezra Cleveland, and moved him to right guard. Drafting Slater, a versatile lineman, would allow the team flexibility. He would also help give Kirk Cousins the pocket time he needs, a luxury he hasn’t had the past few seasons. To get Slater, though, he would have to fall to the Vikings at 14.
Cincinnati Bengals
First-overall draft pick Joe Burrow was sacked an astounding 32 times as a rookie. Then a torn ACL sidelined him for the season. The Bengals need stout players up and down the line to protect their prized franchise quarterback. In 2019, Slater allowed zero sacks and just six pressures in 355 pass plays. He sounds like just the man to help keep Burrow upright and could easily go No. 5 overall to the Cardiac Cats. Selecting Slater that early in the draft would be considered a reach, but sometimes it’s necessary for elite offensive line talent.
New York Giants
New York’s best lineman, right guard Kevin Zeitler, is now a Raven and the Giants need to replace him. Slater fits the Giants versatile mold, and with their line being overhauled, the Giants could snag him at No. 11 and plug him in anywhere.
Now that you’ve read our Rashawn Slater Draft Prospect scouting report, stay tuned after the 2021 NFL Draft for his impact on betting lines, odds and tips for his likely NFL team.
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