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The Chargers did the good and smart thing and took Rashawn Slater, an offensive lineman, with their first-round pick. This seemed like a no-brainer pick after Slater, the second-best lineman on the board after Penei Sewell. It’s no surprise that the general consensus is the Chargers nailed this selection.
With any luck, this is the start of a very long and fruitful relationship between Slater and Justin Herbert. On the NFL Network Draft show, when Slater was asked if he can protect Herbert, he had a one-word answer: “Absolutely.”
Rashawn Slater on his message to Justin Herbert, via the ESPN broadcast: "I got your back, man." #Chargers
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) April 30, 2021
Justin Herbert’s new best friend is Northwestern OL Rashawn Slater Jr., who can play four different offensive line positions.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2021
Here’s Slater against last year’s No. 2 overall pick, Chase Young.
Chargers’ newest OT Rashawn Slater 1-on-1 vs Chase Young
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 30, 2021
pic.twitter.com/kcasHq0FpE
Sometimes, a pick makes perfect sense.
THE @Chargers NEED TO SPRINT AS FAST AS POSSIBLE TO TURN IN THE CARD FOR RASHAWN SLATER
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) April 30, 2021
#Chargers Twitter rn pic.twitter.com/ymPe0qZD9P
— Bolt Beat (@BB_Chargers) April 30, 2021
Slater’s mom already looks good in the powder blue. That bolt necklace is also an excellent choice.
#Chargers selected Northwestern LT Rashawn Slater with the 13th pick. Bolts fans how do you feel??? pic.twitter.com/lkqBIJJg5r
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) April 30, 2021
And the fans are stoked. What a delightful moment to have Slater fall to the Chargers, and for Tom Telesco and Co. to get the job done.
LFGGGGGG I LOVE THIS TEAM
— Moderately Happy Chargers Fan (@dog32_23) April 30, 2021
WOOT. https://t.co/Mx8Wpip7Fn
— Ben Rosales (@brosales12) April 30, 2021
IN STALEY AND TT I TRUSTED. AND RIGHTFULLY SO. ITS SLATER SEASON BABY. ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ @chargers
— ♕ (@boltupjones) April 30, 2021
Chargers take Slater...way to go guys.⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
— Jen Mills (@JenniferMills21) April 30, 2021