2021 NFL Mock Draft: Kyle Pitts lands in the top-5 of the first round

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018, in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

Offensive Tackle. Los Angeles Chargers. Rashawn Slater. 13. player. 13.

The Los Angeles Chargers are going to look for any way to clean up their offensive line this offseason, after finding a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert in the 2020 NFL Draft. With pick No. 13, the Chargers decide on Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, who could be the No. 2 offensive tackle off the board when all is said and done.

Herbert did so many nice things as a rookie this past season, winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honor, but he also was running for his life far too often. In Slater, they get a franchise left tackle for their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.

14. player. 60. . Offensive Lineman. Minnesota Vikings. Alijah Vera-Tucker

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, but they still struggle when it comes to their offensive line. In fact, they could be making wholesale changes up front along the offensive line, and it could start with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

With this pick, Minnesota brings in USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker, the best interior offensive lineman in this draft class. The Vikings need to do a better job protecting for Kirk Cousins, and clearing lanes for Dalvin Cook and Vera-Tucker has the talent to come in and start right away at either guard spot.

47. . Cornerback. New England Patriots. Jaycee Horn. 15. player

The New England Patriots will certainly be in the market for a quarterback this offseason, this after Cam Newton struggled with consistency all season long. While they need a quarterback, they likely are not going to get one here, as they turn their focus to the defensive side of the ball, specifically in the secondary.

With this pick, the Patriots tab South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn, a dynamic ballhawk who is going to improve them at an aging position group. Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty are solid players, but they are getting up there in age, so getting younger here at pick No. 15 makes a lot of sense.

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