2021 Dallas Cowboys scouting report: Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater
Most of the buzz surrounding the 2021 NFL Draft is focused on quarterbacks and skill-positions, but there are two offensive linemen in this draft class that are generational talents. Northwestern's Rashawn Slater and Oregon's Penei Sewell are the top two offensive tackles, and they're both worthy of top five selections. The Dallas Cowboys would be […]
Most of the buzz surrounding the 2021 NFL Draft is focused on quarterbacks and skill-positions, but there are two offensive linemen in this draft class that are generational talents.
Northwestern's Rashawn Slater and Oregon's Penei Sewell are the top two offensive tackles, and they're both worthy of top five selections.
The Dallas Cowboys would be wise to do their homework on these two prospects, given Tyron Smith's age and health concerns.
I took a deep dive into Rashawn Slater's film and I was absolutely blown away.
Name: Rashawn Slater
School: Northwestern
Position: OT
Height: 6'3
Weight: 305
Strengths:
When watching his film at Northwestern, the first thing I noticed about Slater is that he's an extremely diverse player. What I mean by that is that he's able to win in a variety of different ways against several different types of pass-rushers. This versatility that he plays with was on full display in the 2019 season when he shut-down Chase Young, AJ Epenesa, Zach Baun, and Kenny Willekes; all of whom have different play-styles and are now in the NFL. Rashawn Slater plays with great nuance and is technically-sound, which is what allows him to be dominant against any edge rusher. Furthermore, I was most impressed with Rashawn Slater's leverage, body control, and balance. Elite left tackles in the NFL posses those three components, and Slater checks all three of those boxes. His athleticism, active hands, and anchor-flexibility are also some of the elite traits of his that jump out at you on tape.
Weaknesses:
The biggest weakness in Rashawn Slater is that he doesn't posses the size and length that most NFL tackles have, but that is not a huge concern for me. He's still plenty big enough to play the position at the next level and I believe that if you can play football at a high level, it doesn't necessarily matter how big you are. The only weakness I saw from Slater on the field was that he can get beat inside at times due to his consistent pass-sets. That's also not concerning for me because that can be very correctable with NFL coaching.
Prospect Summary:
After evaluating Rashawn Slater's film, I've come to the conclusion that he is the best tackle prospect in this class. Although he's slightly undersized, he more than makes up for it in other aspects of his game. Some draft gurus and NFL teams think Slater needs to move to guard at the next level, but that is ludicrous to me if you watch his tape. Oregon's Penei Sewell is the more flashy prospect at the position, but Slater is much more complete. His ability to gain leverage consistently and being able to control everyone he went up against is what separates the two in my opinion. He is able to fit in any scheme as well because of his versatility. I see some Marshal Yanda in his game, which is very high praise.
Tyron Smith is 30 years old and continues to deal with nagging injuries, so the Dallas Cowboys need to find his replacement soon. Rashawn Slater is an elite talent and would be a steal for the Cowboys with the 10th pick.
Draft Grade:
Top 5 talent
Featured Image Via © Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
