Week 2 Rookie Matchup: Osa Odighizuwa vs. Rashawn Slater

Rashawn Slater, OT

School: Northwestern

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 315 lbs

The Chargers narrowed their focus on a targeted position for the 2021 draft after watching the Cincinnati Bengals lose quarterback Joe Burrow to an ACL injury. Addressing their roster spot at left tackle and protecting quarterback Justin Herbert became priority number one.

With the 13th pick in this year’s draft, the Chargers selected offensive tackle Rashawn Slater. He immediately offered guard/tackle flexibility and could probably play center if he had to. Coming out of the draft, he became the No.2 tackle behind Penei Sewell. However, after earning the spot at left tackle and his performance against Washington, his stock is starting to explode.

Regular Season Game Study: Week 1 (Las Angeles vs. Washington)

His tape going against the pass rushers of the Washington Football Team in Week 1 is masterful. It looks as if he’s a seasoned vet and an All-Pro.

It’s not like he was going against the D-line of the New York Jets or the Houston Texans (no disrespect; just making an observation). This is a Washington team that has invested four first-round picks for its defensive front. Dallas fans know how dominant they can be.

Washington had 47 sacks as a team last year and 14 forced fumbles. Their overall rank was in the top 10, so it was shocking to see a rookie go out on opening day and perform that well.

Slater was great as a run blocker, opening up holes and turning defensive linemen away from the running back. His most impressive snaps came when he was in pass protection. Just look at the stats below.

Seeing how the Cowboys are struggling with offensive line depth right now creates the question of “What if?” they selected Slater instead of Micah Parsons 12th overall in the draft, one pick before Slater. Vice President Stephen Jones said the choice came down between the two rookies, but they decided the defense was more of a pressing issue.

No one can blame them for making that decision. As of right now, Parsons looks to be every bit of the stud the front office thought he could be. However, they could use Slater as their right tackle with offensive tackle La’el Collins missing five games due to suspension.