With The First Pick
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Northwestern OL Rashawn Slater a versatile gem in 2021 NFL Draft

By Cory Kinnan

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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Northwestern OL Rashawn Slater a versatile gem in 2021 NFL Draft
Northwestern OL Rashawn Slater a versatile gem in 2021 NFL Draft. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Where Rashawn Slater wins

Slater is so refined in his technique, both below the waist and with his hands as he usually takes on opposing edge rushers with more size and length than himself. As he has a ton of uncertainty heading towards the 2021 NFL Draft regarding where he should play, either tackle or guard, Slater at least has a solid foundation of which to work.

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Slater’s pass set was so good, in fact, that he gave 2020 NFL Draft second overall pick Chase Young fits when The Ohio State Buckeyes took on the Wildcats a year ago. He has a clean, wide set with smooth feet as he has the versatility to drop at a 45-degree angle or into a jump set in order to get his hands on defenders as quickly as possible.

As far as his hands are concerned, Slater has accurate placement of his initial punch, then latching within the breastplate with consistency. In his Ohio State matchup, Slater also managed to land his hand right at the point of the V on opposing jerseys, striking edge rushers square in the chest. This is a fantastic, translatable trait as he prepares for transition at the next level.

Not only does Slater possess crisp technique, but he is also one of the smarter prospects in the class, playing with a high level of intellect from his tackle post. Combining these traits with Slater’s mobility, and he has the tools to thrive as an NFL guard, with the ability to spot start at tackle as well.

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