Los Angeles Chargers GM Tom Telesco made off like a bandit after he got the chance to pick stud left tackle Rashawn Slater with the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
An injury-plagued 2022 prevented progress from an All-Pro rookie campaign but Justin Herbert's blindside protector is now healthy and back to his stellar form to start 2023.
Through four games, he's tied for fifth among all offensive tackles with a pass-blocking grade of 82.3 among players with at least 100 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He hasn't allowed a sack and has been credited with only two hits allowed. Slater's work on the outside has also helped an improved Chargers run game average rank 12th overall at 119.8 yards per game.
Offensive linemen often don't receive the credit they deserve for their part in what makes a successful unit.
LA was wise to make sure their golden goose in Herbert received as much help as he could not just in skill position weapons but through protection to get the ball to his playmakers.
The former Northwestern product left many teams bitter that they'd be without his services and many defenders on their backsides with his pancake blocks and immense strength.
Herbert's emergence as an elite quarterback in the league directly coincides with Slater's presence on the field.
A down 2022 season isn't any coincidence after Herbert missed his left tackle for a majority of the year due to his bicep injury.
With a clean bill of health, Slater's presence and prevention of edge rushers to get home against his quarterback makes LA's offense one of the most dangerous in football.
In Kellen Moore's new system, Herbert has found new ways to get his teammates involved even if the offense hit a snag in week 4.
An early bye week typically isn't preferred by teams during the long regular season, but Slater will hopefully get to block for Austin Ekeler and his healed ankle by the time week 6 rolls around.
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