2021 Draft Profile: Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater

[Steeler Nation]

Leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft starting on April 29th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up…

Rashawn Slater (Offensive Tackle), Northwestern, Senior​

OVERVIEW:

Everyone knows the Steelers need help on the offensive line. So much so, the bulk of mock drafts that have been compiled have the Steelers filling this need in the first round (not to mention in later rounds as well). With that being said, it is safe to say the Steelers should be looking hard at Rashawn Slater.

PROS:

Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 304 pounds, Slater is a bit undersized compared to most linemen (i.e. David DeCastro, 6’5” 316 lbs; Matt Feiler, 6’6” 330 lbs; Kevin Dotson, 6’4” 321 lbs). However what he lacks in size, he makes up for in mobility, physicality, and the ability to plug into any position on the offensive line. At the Northwestern Pro Day on March 9th, Slater put up very impressive numbers:

• 4.88 second 40-yard dash
• 33 bench reps (225 lbs)
• 7.48 second three-cone drill

At Northwestern, Slater helped rejuvenate a monotonous offense (sound familiar?) and helped propel the Northwestern football program back into recognition. Needless to say, a lot of NFL scouts are drawn to Slater.

CONS:

Size. Yes, I know I just said that he makes up for it, but size is still one thing NFL coaches value in linemen. His arm length (33 inches) is one measurable that is shorter than average, and this may hinder his vision along the line. In a competitive division with Calais Campbell, Myles Garrett, Matthew Judon, and Yannick Ngakoue, this may be a hindrance for the Steelers. In addition, Slater elected to opt out of the 2020 collegiate season, amidst COVID concerns and to solidify his availability for the 2021 NFL Draft. By Slater sitting out an entire season, teams may be a bit cautious of how his skill set will translate to the NFL.

VERDICT:

There is no denying Slater is one of the best prospects at the offensive tackle position in this year’s draft. Slater’s draft stock has grown substantially as we draw closer to the draft and more and more NFL teams are adding him to their radars. There is no doubt Slater will be hearing his name called on Thursday, April 29th, and I hope it is the Steelers who call him.




Where do you think Rashawn Slater will land in April? Comment below!

#SteelerNation

Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..

 

[Steeltime]

Slater is an excellent prospect, but I think he is better as a C. Unless he has that weird body style like Kelvin Beachum with a short upper body but very long arms, he is going to have trouble with the big, fast DE's in the conference. Given his speed and mobility, he will be a perfect C who can pull, get help from a G with massive nose tackles, get to the 2nd level.

 

[slashsteel]

Hi Ben. I like Slater and feel his best positional fit based on athleticism is C but has he ever played C? In some ways with his blood line- ability to pull he very well could be on the Steelers in 1 if they were comfy with him being able to convert to C. He reminds me of Pouncey as far as his athletic gifts.

 

[Steeltime]

Hi Ben. I like Slater and feel his best positional fit based on athleticism is C but has he ever played C? In some ways with his blood line- ability to pull he very well could be on the Steelers in 1 if they were comfy with him being able to convert to C. He reminds me of Pouncey as far as his athletic gifts.

I believe he played tackle his entire career at Northwestern, but has said he has no problem "moving inside" if that's what a team wants. His pro-day means there is zero chance he is there at 24, IMO.

4.88 40 at 304 lbs., 33 reps, 7.48 3-cone, and just for ***** and giggles, the site has a video of Slater doing squats with 495 lbs. three times.

Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater Was An Absolute Monster During His Pro Day, Securing His First Round Draft Status

Getty Image NFL Draft season is upon us and the next 51 days will be spent evaluating, discussing and obsessing over prospects before the first pick is

brobible.com

 

[slashsteel]

I believe he played tackle his entire career at Northwestern, but has said he has no problem "moving inside" if that's what a team wants. His pro-day means there is zero chance he is there at 24, IMO.

4.88 40 at 304 lbs., 33 reps, 7.48 3-cone, and just for ***** and giggles, the site has a video of Slater doing squats with 495 lbs. three times.

Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater Was An Absolute Monster During His Pro Day, Securing His First Round Draft Status

Getty Image NFL Draft season is upon us and the next 51 days will be spent evaluating, discussing and obsessing over prospects before the first pick is

brobible.com

Not sure if the odds as there is Ts a decent amount that don't have to be moved inside possibly going to go earlier. I think his size limitations could have him fall. But hey you might be right as he is athletic so inside he should really help a team. If you draft him as a C I think you almost have to bring in a vet center. I think an adjustment period of time is appropriate.

 

[Steeltime]

Not sure if the odds as there is Ts a decent amount that don't have to be moved inside possibly going to go earlier. I think his size limitations could have him fall. But hey you might be right as he is athletic so inside he should really help a team. If you draft him as a C I think you almost have to bring in a vet center. I think an adjustment period of time is appropriate.

You may be right, since this draft has a boatload of very good offensive linemen. Slater would be a top-15 pick in a lot of drafts. Still suspect that his elite athleticism for a guy that big and willingness to play G means he is gone by pick 24.

Also, a guy taking up a new spot will have growing pains, no doubt, but the guy is 6'4", 304 lb., strong, good technician, and who has played as an elite tackle for years in the Big 10. He is going to upgrade the line the moment he steps on the field.

 

[SteelerFan448]

A lot of draft analysts feel this guy can play all five positions on the offensive line and some believe he's the best LT in this draft.