Slaughter has been handed a huge job, but the Chargers sound unusually confident in him. The college résumé says he understands the center position, and the staff says he has managed the mental workload in camp. The rookie learning curve will still be real, yet he has a legitimate chance to become the surprise stabilizer of the remade interior.
Strengths: High-level college center pedigree, leadership, movement skills and strong early coaching confidence. He has experience making the calls and working in space.
Weaknesses: He is a rookie replacing a veteran after a late-August injury, a difficult assignment even for a polished prospect. NFL power, blitz recognition and week-to-week durability remain untested.