2021 NFL Mock Draft: Bears, Falcons, 49ers all join QB rat race
56. . OT. Cincinnati Bengals. Rashawn Slater. 5. player
Full disclosure, Rashawn Slater hasn’t been this high in any 2021 NFL mock draft I’ve compiled to this point. However, when NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah made a note at the end of November that the Northwestern product was his top-rated offensive lineman, that set off some alarms.
Not only is Jeremiah simply good at his job but he’s well-sourced in the league. Subsequently, you have to believe NFL teams are high on him. So even with Sewell going off the board at No. 3, the Cincinnati Bengals are able to fill a major need on the offensive line with Slater.
Slater is both technically sound and a strong athlete who can line up at tackle but can also slot inside with ease. That versatility will be valuable in a line-starved place like Cincinnati as he can come in and fill holes wherever he’s needed.
WR. Philadelphia Eagles. DeVonta Smith. 6. player. 54.
Tumultuous times are quickly developing in Philadelphia as head coach Doug Pederson was fired and questions remain about the future of Carson Wentz. But whether it’s Wentz or Jalen Hurts at quarterback moving forward into 2021 and the years to follow, the wide receiver position needs to continue to be addressed. And who better to do that than the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith.
The Alabama wideout is an absolute stud. While a bit undersized, he shows up in every facet of the game. He’s unafraid to attack every level of the field and has a knack to create consistent separation from coverage with his blend athleticism and highly refined route-running. Some would say Ja’Marr Chase should be the pick here but, frankly, Smith would provide the consistent weapon that’s needed in the Eagles passing attack.