Chargers select OT Rashawn Slater with 13th pick

With the 13th overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft, the Chargers have selected offensive tackle Rashawn Slater out of Northwestern.

At 6’4 and 304 pounds, Slater has true five-position versatility along the offensive line, something that no other lineman in this draft class has. He’ll immediately be penciled in as the starter for the Chargers at left tackle, but his skillset will allow the team to be extremely flexible as they continue to build their offensive line this season and going forward.

Slater was one of the more notable players who chose to opt out of the 2020 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite not playing a down of football in well over a year, Slater’s abilities were put on display during the team’s 2019 matchup against Ohio State, a game that saw him go to war — and win — against 2020 second overall pick, Chase Young.

With a high football IQ and silky-smooth movement skills, Slater is a home run pick for the Chargers in the first round that hits on their top need as a team.