Todd McShay tabs OT Rashawn Slater, Chargers as perfect fit in 2021 draft

In a new NFL draft mailbag hosted by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, the power duo took a litany of questions regarding this year’s draft class, including where the class is strong/weak, surprise picks in the first round, and what day two or three quarterbacks are worthy of some praise, as well.

One of the specific questions posed to Kiper and McShay was, “Is there a player and team that you think are an absolutely perfect fit together?”

McShay was the one to take the reigns on this question, and here’s what he had to say:

“Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater and the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 13. Slater is not as long as Penei Sewell, but he’s a classic left tackle in terms of his footwork, balance and technique.”

“He can get to the second level, which helps with the run game. He can pass protect on the edge, which is crucial now that the Chargers have a young franchise QB in Justin Herbert. And he brings mobility, which fits perfectly with the run-pass options and screen stuff that the Chargers’ offense runs with Herbert. Los Angeles has been looking for an elite OT for a while, and Slater fits the bill.”

So yet again, another remark about how Slater is just the perfect fit for the Chargers at No. 13. Seriously. If Slater isn’t the pick in the end, there’s going to be a lot of depressed Chargers fans. More-so than usual. The two have been tied together so often that you almost feel like he’s already on the team.

The drop-off from the Penei Sewell/Slater tier down to the next group of Christian Darrisaw/Tevin Jenkins/Alijah Vera-Tucker isn’t all that big, but it’s enough to make one feel like trading back is the proper move then potentially reaching for one of those secondary tackles at No. 13. If any of you recall how Tom Telesco reached quite a bit for D.J. Fluker in his first year as the general manager then you’ll understand why so many aren’t fans of potentially finding themselves in a similar situation this draft.

Has Telesco learned from his mistake that season? Was that pick the reason why he’s shied away from drafting a lineman in the first ever since? Your guess is as good as mine, but I wouldn’t be surprised in the least bit if that were the case.