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KC Chiefs 2021 Draft: Best interior o-line prospects to protect Patrick Mahomes

By Thomas Welte

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft prospect Rashawn Slater
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 18: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes battles Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats in the third quarter at Ryan Field on October 18, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Rashawn Slater, OG, Northwestern

Rashawn Slater has been a standout tackle for Northwestern and was one of the few college lineman to not get obliterated by then-Ohio State Buckeye Chase Young during the 2019 season. Slater sat out for 2020, but remains a player highly rated in NFL circles—and rightly so.

Slater plays with a balance of grit and technique that makes him an ideal offensive lineman in any system. The Wildcat prospect is listed at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds. While his size is not prototypical for offensive tackle in the NFL, Slater is a polished, experienced player who some believe can man the blindside despite being on the smaller side. Slater is considered a top offensive line talent in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Chiefs could stand to upgrade their guard position, even with the projected return of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.  Slater has positional flexibility, which Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck both seem to value. That said, Slater could have All-Pro potential at guard and that is where I believe the Chiefs should play him. Slater reminds me a lot of Washington Football Team guard Brandon Scherff, who warranted similar discussion about his positional flexibility.

Slater is as much of a lock for the 1st round as you can find, and is likely a top 15, possible top 10 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. There may be a scenario where the Chiefs trade up or Slater slides lower than expected. While Slater would be an ideal fit and instant upgrade, the odds of him being available at the end of Round 1 appear slim. That said, Slater would be a perfect fit in Kansas City.

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