NFL mock draft 2021: 49ers snag Mac Jones; Broncos trade up for QB
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 9th overall
9. 44. Pick Analysis. Rashawn Slater. Northwestern. player. Scouting Report. OL
After trading down earlier in this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Atlanta Falcons took themselves out of any quarterback conversation. That being said, there is still plenty of interesting offensive talent available for Atlanta here at No. 9 as they look to build a dynamic unit around veteran quarterback Matt Ryan.
Rashawn Slater is one of the best offensive linemen in this entire draft class and stands out as an ideal pick for the Falcons here at No. 9. Slater is a fantastic athlete up front who fires off of the ball quickly and moves his feet extremely well in pass protection. He is also a powerful player who is at his best when he is asked to play forward and attack.
Slater lacks ideal length for an offensive tackle prospect but his overall skill-set fits well at the position. Whether the Falcons select Slater to play tackle or guard, he would undoubtedly be a valuable addition to their offensive line mix.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 10th overall
CB. Patrick Surtain II. 10. player. 123. Scouting Report. Alabama. Pick Analysis
Perhaps the most common pairing across the 2021 NFL mock draft circuit is Patrick Surtain and the Dallas Cowboys. If Surtain is available when the Cowboys go on the clock at No. 10 overall, it is difficult to see them going in another direction. The Cowboys have multiple needs on the defensive side of the ball and Surtain is arguably the best defensive player in this draft class.
Surtain is a long and athletic cornerback prospect who shines in press coverage at the line of scrimmage. He is also a smooth and disciplined defender who always seems to be in the right position and does a great job of attacking the ball in the air. He shines as a man and zone coverage defender and has true No. 1 cornerback upside at the next level. Snagging Surtain at No. 10 would be ideal for the Dallas Cowboys.