2021 NFL first-round mock draft: Quarterback surprises
By Ian Higgins
OT. Northwestern. player. 58. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Rashawn Slater. 19
After the pleasant surprise of quarterback Taylor Heinicke against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card round, the Washington Football Team may find themselves out of the hunt for a quarterback (for now).
With the 20th selection in the 2021 NFL draft and too many teams competing for too few elite quarterback prospects, Ron Rivera and company find themselves preparing for the future by bolstering a struggling pass-protection unit.
Despite his lack of stature at six-foot-three, Rashawn Slater has flown up draft boards with a college tenure highlighted by an outstanding performance in 2019 against number two overall selection Chase Young.
Combined with his versatility to slide inside to guard (as predicted by many pundits), Slater is a fitting prospect for a lacking offensive line.
player. College Stats. Minnesota. Rashod Bateman. WR. 20. 57. Scouting Report
Although the Chicago Bears face one of the biggest question marks under center among NFL franchises, finding the solution to their problems in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft will be highly unlikely due to their draft position.
One major problem that can be addressed though is the loss of lead wideout Allen Robinson to free agency.
A direct replacement for the outgoing pro-bowl snub, Rashod Bateman exemplifies many of the qualities seen in elite wideouts throughout the NFL. At six-foot-one, Bateman was a reliable target for the Minnesota offense with his ability to create separation on short slants for first-down conversions as well as his creation of yardage after the catch.