2021 NFL Mock Draft: Free agency flips first round projections
By Brad Weiss
123. . Offensive Tackle. Dallas Cowboys. Rashawn Slater. 10. player
The Dallas Cowboys finally did it, as they signed franchise quarterback Dak Prescott to the long-term deal everybody was waiting for. In Prescott, the Cowboys have their man under center for the foreseeable future, and now they have to work on keeping him upright.
With pick No. 10 overall, the Cowboys should look to add arguably the second-best offensive tackle in this draft class in Rashawn Slater. This is a kid who can come in and start right away, and with so many health issues along the Cowboys offensive line, they need this kind of depth added this offseason.
player. 31. . Wide Receiver. New York Giants. Jaylen Waddle. 11
The New York Giants still do not really know what they have in Daniel Jones, who looked pretty good last season before injuries took their toll. To actually see what they have, the Giants have to put elite talent around him, and they do so by adding Jaylen Waddle from Alabama with pick No. 11.
In Waddle, the Giants get a legitimate WR1 to put atop their depth chart, as he has shown the ability, when healthy, to take over a game. The Giants will get Saquon Barkley back in 2021, and that will help Jones out as well, in what should be a make-or-break season for him.
42. . Offensive Lineman. San Francisco 49ers. Alijah Vera-Tucker. 12. player
As of Wednesday morning, it appears that the San Francisco 49ers are content on going into the 2021 NFL season with Jimmy Garoppolo as their starting quarterback, which is not a terrible thing. Jimmy G led the 49ers to the Super Bowl only two years ago, and while he was more of a game-manager, he has proven he can win at the NFL level.
Looking at their roster, they need to do something to bolster the offensive line, and they do so by bringing in Alijah Vera-Tucker at pick No. 12 overall. This is a guy who can play up and down the line, and the 49ers proved they need versatility like that this past season.