Peter Schrager sparks wild Rashawn Slater-Chargers conspiracy with latest mock

It's officially conspiracy time with the 2026 NFL Draft right around the corner. And in a shocking turn, All-Pro tackle Rashawn Slater has become the sole focus of a conspiracy around the Chargers' draft intentions.

Slater, who missed all of last season with a ruptured patellar tendon, is one half of arguably the best tackle duo in the league alongside Joe Alt (regardless of which side he plays). Despite this, the same speculation around Slater kicking inside is once again circling, as it was leading into the 2021 NFL Draft.

ESPN's Peter Schrager dropped his intel-gathering mock draft on Tuesday in which he makes picks based on what he is hearing in league circles. Schrager has the Chargers taking Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, who is not a candidate to kick inside himself. With this pick, the Slater conspiracies have started.

Peter Schrager sparks Rashawn Slater conspiracies with Chargers' draft choice

Schrager's selection has caused a stir on social media. The Chargers already have two otherworldy tackles, so taking another in the NFL Draft would suggest some kind of bold change. And if the Chargers are worried about Slater's health in the long term, it is conceivable that they would at least consider a move to left guard.

General manager Joe Hortiz previously stated that there are several talented guard prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, including tackles who can be kicked inside. Miller doesn't really check that box, regardless of what Schrager wrote in his mock.

The six-foot-seven right tackle played 54 games in college all at right tackle. His athletic profile and tape do not suggest he is an NFL guard, especially one who would have to switch sides and positions if the Chargers drafted him.

Selecting Miller would almost certainly suggest that the Chargers are doing something unique with Slater in 2026 and beyond. But in reality, it's pretty far-fetched to imagine the Chargers actually making this move.

Franchise tackles don't grow on trees. The Chargers have already committed franchise tackle money to Slater, which is far more than a team would give for a franchise left guard. He would make $18 million more than the next highest-paid guard in the league.

Plus, putting Slater at left guard wouldn't actually reduce the odds of him getting injured. Both his ruptured patellar tendon and torn bicep were freak injuries that could have happened at guard just like they happened at tackle.

This only makes sense if the Chargers are legitimately worried about Slater's ability to play tackle next season. But if that was the case, the Bolts probably would have foreshadowed that with the moves they made in free agency.

It's definitely an interesting conspiracy theory, but it's hard to believe.