Grading every team's first-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft at the midway point of the season
Let's give grades to the first-round picks halfway through their rookie seasons
www.cbssports.com
Slater gets an A (higher than Sewell with a C+) and Newsome is the highest graded CB with an A- (a couple of incomplete grades for corners taking before Greg due to injury).
Slater is also PFF's pick for the mid-season All-Rookie team at LT (6th highest graded tackle overall) and Newsome at one of the corner spots.
No. 13: Los Angeles Chargers - OT Rashawn Slater
Grade: APhilip Rivers has GOT to be saying "dagummit" in Alabama where he's coaching high school football watching the play of Slater at left tackle in a Chargers uniform.
Slater has been the best rookie blocker by a wide margin, and just like he did in 2019, gave Chase Young major problems on the perimeter in their matchup in September. The former Northwestern star is hyper athletic for a strapping offensive tackle, and not once have I thought he has a future at guard.
No. 26: Cleveland Browns - CB Greg Newsome
Grade: A-Newsome landed in Round 1 when everybody finally got to the Northwestern tape and saw how naturally athletic he was, and how aggressive he played the ball in the air. He has been the rare first-round rookie cornerback who has stepped in and confidently played quality coverage down the field in the first half of his rookie season.
He has four pass breakups to date and looks like an ascending young defensive back.
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