PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – This is one in a series of potential Steelers first round picks based on national and local experts.
Rashawn Slater-OT (6'4", 315 pounds, Sr., Northwestern)
BIO-Opted out of the 2020 season. Was named First Team All-Big Ten in the preseason and graded as the top run blocking tackle by Pro Football Focus. As a junior, named honorable mention All-Big 10. Allowed no sacks, one QB hit, 5 QB hurries in 11 games. Started 37 games in his career and was also Academic All-Big 10. A 3-star recruit out of high school who also competed in shot put and discus. Slater's dad, Reginald, played 8 years in the NBA.
Pro Football Network Tony Pauline's take
"He seems to be the flavor of the month. Rashan Slater was a solid left tackle at Northwestern. He entered the season graded as a mid-second round choice by scouts. Now all of a sudden people are talking about Rashan Slater being mocked as a top 10 pick and Rashan Slater didn't take a snap last year. He opted out of the season. He didn't play in the Senior Bowl. I don't know how the meteoric rise to the top for a guy initially as graded as a mid-second round pick is happening. It's mind boggling to me. I like him as a zone blocking guard. I don't think he has the great height to play left tackle. I think his movement skills. The way he gets out to the second level and takes on linebackers and players in the secondary, that has to get a little bit stronger. I like his upside. I like him as a second round pick. I do not like him as a top 10 or top 12 left tackle. I certainly don't like him more than Penny Sewell as some people have implied."
MOCK PROJECTIONS
-CBS Sports Ryan Wilson—6th to Philadelphia
-CBS Sports Chris Trapasso—12th to San Francisco
-CBS Sports Josh Edwards—13th to Chargers
-CBS Sports Pete Prisco—13th to Chargers
-Sporting News—13th to Chargers
-Pro Football Network—13th to Indianapolis (in projected trade)
-NFL Network Charley Casserly—13th to Chargers
-NFL Network Chad Reuter—13th to Chargers
