For the most part, the conversation about the best offensive rookies in the NFL typically revolves around the quarterbacks and skill-position players.
Meanwhile, lost in the shuffle, are those up front who largely attribute to the players compiling flashy performances and gaudy statistics.
That’s no different for Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater, who has made a solid case to be considered the top rookie in the league this season.
Playing like a seasoned veteran, protecting the blindside of Justin Herbert, Slater has only allowed five quarterback pressures and one hit.
Most notably, Slater has yet to allow a sack against the likes of Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Micah Parsons.
Let this soak in for a second. Slater has not allowed a sack since Week 11 of 2018 when he played his final collegiate season at Northwestern.
In addition to being a premier pass protector, Slater has been an outstanding run blocker, overpowering defenders and creating run lanes on a consistent basis.
Plug-and-play left tackles do not grow on trees nowadays, which is why the Chargers are fortunate they were able to stand pat in the draft and take one who has All-Pro potential.
So while the signal-callers and pass-catchers will get most of the headlines, Slater’s play early on should justify that he is more than deserving of being considered for this year’s top rookie honors.
