2021 NFL Mock Draft: The insatiable hunger of the quarterback market
By Ian Higgins
Caleb Farley. 9. 45. Scouting Report. College Stats. CB. Virginia Tech. player
After the recent release of starting cornerback A.J. Bouye, the Denver Broncos have seemingly committed themselves to rebuild the defense in order to support the cornucopia of offensive firepower surrounding current quarterback Drew Lock. With little else surrounding star safety Justin Simmons, Denver needs to acquire a gifted corner who can match the likes of Tyreek Hill and Keenan Allen in an offensively-biased AFC West.
Possessing the most explosive athleticism of the position group within the 2021 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos find themselves in a position to select Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley within this NFL mock draft. With 4.3 speed and imposing physicality for the cornerback position, Farley can not only run with the likes of Hill but compete at the point of attack with big-body wideouts such as Mike Williams.
Farley also brings the ability to attack downhill and contribute as a functional cog in run defense, translating his aggression in pass-coverage into physical tackling at 207-pounds. Needing a spark in the defensive backfield after recent losses, the Denver Broncos have found their solution within this NFL mock draft.
123. OT. Rashawn Slater. 10. Northwestern. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
After a season that saw an offense marred by injuries and a defense seemingly incapable of providing support, the Dallas Cowboys have plenty of issues to address on their grocery list of personnel needs. The most prominent of which though could be an aging offensive line in need of additional injection of youth. Left tackle Tyron Smith has been hampered by injury over the last handful of seasons and a potential cap-casualty with nearly $45 million against the cap through 2023.
A 2021 NFL Draft solution that could smoothly incorporate himself alongside the current personnel of the Cowboys offensive line is Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater. Undersized for the position, Slater posted impressive tape against the likes of Chase Young in their 2019 contest against Ohio State making him a first-round candidate within an impressive offensive tackle class.
Slater is a polished tackle with the athleticism to block in space as well as slide inside to guard until his time comes to replace Smith. With a need for talent on the interior as well, Dallas can use their haul from his NFL mock draft as a plug-and-play solution across the line in case of injury.