3-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos, Bears trade up for quarterbacks
By Randy Gurzi
Pick Analysis. Rashawn Slater. player. 47. Scouting Report. OT. Northwestern. 15
15. New England Patriots: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Ahead of the 2020 season, the New England Patriots hit Joe Thuney with the franchise tag which kept the interior offensive lineman on the roster. But then in 2021, Thuney walked in free agency and signed a big contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. This leaves the Patriots with a hole on the offensive line that still needs to be filled.
They did address their line in the offseason through a trade as they brought back Trent Brown but there’s no guarantee he will return to form.
They also need to get better inside — which is why Rashawn Slater makes so much sense.
A product of Northwestern, Slater played left tackle but there are questions about whether or not he’s a fit there. In fact, some scouts suggest he’s a better fit inside at guard — or even center.
This means New England can try him out in several spots and decide what’s best for him. And even if Brown excels at right tackle, Slater will still have a home at guard.
New England went all out in the offseason trying to fix their roster. They brought back Cam Newton and signed Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne on offense as well as several defensive players to include Matt Judon. Now, they’re just patching the few remaining holes as Bill Belichick looks to erase their 7-9 season from his memory.