Rashawn Slater didn’t play in 2020, but he has generated so much buzz recently — and for a good reason. In Daniel Jeremiah’s last mock draft, he had the Bengals selecting Slater fifth overall ahead of Penei Sewell. If you want my honest opinion… he’s on drugs. That’s not happening. I think Slater could be a solid left tackle, but he has Quenton Nelson or Zack Martin level potential as a guard. Nobody is taking a guard in the top five, so if Atlanta trades back with a team like San Francisco (12th pick), Slater becomes a very interesting option. Guard isn’t the biggest need for Atlanta, but it’s certainly a sore spot. With so many talented players on the EDGE in later rounds, should Atlanta spend another first round pick on the offensive line? If Terry Fontenot is serious about taking the best player available, the answer is yes.
Strengths:
Slater is a plug and play starter for a left guard spot that has been marred by inconsistency over the entire Matt Ryan era. He can play any of the five positions on the offensive line, and he even has some solid projectability at center. Scouts believe the further inside of the line he kicks, the better he will be. Not only is he versatile, Slater is extremely polished, athletic, balanced, and strong. He really checks all of the boxes, and I firmly believe he’s one of the safest and most talented players in the class. Here he is putting clamps on Chase Young:
LOOK AT THE LEFT HAND PUNCH BY RASHAWN SLATER. Grabs ahold of that man Chase Young and doesn’t let go! Hands! Hands! HANDS! BOY Rashawn Slater is putting on a clinic against the #2 overall pick. #InsideTheHashes #NFLDraft #Northwestern pic.twitter.com/TnE8mopwtc
— Inside The Draft (@Jacobkeppen) December 12, 2020
Here’s a rep against Chase Young. Rashawn Slater immediately gets his hands on Young where they need to be. Young isn’t able to get Slater’s hands off of him, gets put down. Slater making up for lack of length with great hands. #InsideTheHashes #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/oiT0N93UwH
— Inside The Draft (@Jacobkeppen) December 12, 2020
Weaknesses:
Slater doesn’t have many holes in his game. The only real gripe you could make is that Atlanta has spent two first round picks on offensive lineman within the past two drafts. He doesn’t project best at a premium position, but solidifying the left guard or center spot is appealing to me.
Team Fit:
Keeping Matt Ryan upright and finally establishing an effective run game will be critical to Arthur Smith’s offense being successful, and unless Dean Pees comes out like a madman, the offense will have to carry this team. Left guard has been a massive hole for years (even before James Carpenter’s likely cut), and Alex Mack probably won’t be returning to the team. It’s rare that you find a prospect that is so polished with additional room to grow, especially with very low bust potential. Slater wouldn’t be the sexiest pick, but he would make the team better instantly.
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