LA Chargers training camp: Updates for the 2021 draft class

Rashawn Slater has shined during LA Chargers training camp

It is still surreal to see Rashawn Slater in the powder blue. It seemed impossible that the Northwestern tackle would fall to the LA Chargers all the way at 13 but he somehow did. Some draft analysts had him over Penei Sewell and the tackle class was very obviously Sewell, Slater and then everyone else.

That being said, it was fair to temper the expectations for Slater in year one. He did not play collegiately during the 2020 season and he is a tad undersized for a tackle. While there was no doubt that he would be a solid offensive lineman, there are rookie hurdles that players have to overcome.

Thus far in LA Chargers training camp Slater has passed the challenges that he has been given with flying colors. The first week of camp did not really tell us much as there were no pads and no real blocking but the second the pads came on Slater showed out.

Slater went undefeated in pass reps on the first day of padded practice, even standing up Joey Bosa in the one rep against him.

He has not been perfect, as he apparently let up a sack to Jerry Tillery on Friday (maybe a good sign for Tillery?) but he did also stand up Kenneth Murray and Joey Bosa alongside Matt Feiler.

Just seeing how seamlessly he has transitioned to taking legitimate reps against good NFL pass rushers has been a really good sign for Slater's transition into the league.