6 players the Vikings could pick to replace Riley Reiff at left tackle

Rashawn Slater (Northwestern)

After the Pro Day that Rashawn Slater recently turned in at Northwestern, the buzz around him has gotten extremely loud. The hype is warranted though since he tested through the roof in terms of his power and eye-opening athleticism.

Showing off while wearing shorts at a Pro Day is one thing, but producing on the field is another. Slater is probably best known for when he went head-to-head with the 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chase Young, when Northwestern faced off against Ohio State in 2019 and the talented offensive tackle got the better of the high-profile pass rusher.

Like Darrisaw, Slater should be ready to step and be a starter right away for Minnesota if he is the team’s selection at 14th overall during the 2021 NFL Draft. Adding him to the roster would let Brian O’Neill remain the Vikings’ starting right tackle and allow Ezra Cleveland to be a swing tackle or continue as the team’s starting right guard.

At 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, he would fit into an NFL offensive line pretty easily, and he would provide an inexpensive option at the position since he would be on his rookie contract. If Minnesota does go this route, it would be nice to see Slater be a long-term answer at left tackle.