In 2023, the fourth-year offensive tackle bounced back by starting all 17 games after missing most of the prior year due to injury. Pro Football Focus rated Slater with an 84.7 pass-blocking grade, ranking him fourth among players with at least 500 snaps. This was the highest grade of Slater’s career. Slater was listed as the eighth offensive tackle by Pete Prisco, who believes he has the potential to improve further under the coaching of Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.
Slater’s strength lies in pass protection, which is crucial for quarterback Justin Herbert. While he should work on improving his run game performance, Prisco is confident that this growth will be facilitated by Harbaugh’s guidance. Another player on the list of Top 100 was Khalil Mack, who was not included in the prior year’s ranking. Mack secured the 79th spot overall and ranked third among outside linebackers after a standout 17.0-sack season in his tenth year.
During the 2023 season, Mack achieved numerous accolades, including tying the Chargers’ single-season sack record and reaching a career-high in sacks. Despite entering his 11th year, Mack has proven that he remains one of the top players in the league in causing disruptions on the field. Despite some recent dips in his sack numbers, Mack recorded a career-best 17 sacks in 2023. At the age of 33, concerns about his age are starting to emerge, but he continues to be a force on defense. To see Pete Prisco’s complete Top 100 list, follow the link provided.