2021 NFL Mock Draft: Trades throw first round into chaos

After hitting a home run in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, selecting Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, who became a star as a rookie, the Los Angeles Chargers need to do everything they can to protect him. Sitting with pick No. 13 in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Chargers grab the No. 2 offensive tackle in this draft class, selecting Rashawn Slater from Northwestern.

For the Chargers to start making their march to the top of the AFC West, they have to protect Herbert, who showed that he is going to be a special player in this league. Slater is an absolute mauler, can start on the left side right away, and fixes a major issue for Los Angeles.

The Minnesota Vikings hold the No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and the expectation is that they will address the line, either on offense or on defense. One player they could target for the offensive side of the ball is Alijah Vera-Tucker, who many consider the best interior offensive lineman in this draft class.

In Vera-Tucker, they get a guy who could anchor this offensive line for years to come, as they look to clear holes for Dalvin Cook, and give Kirk Cousins time to throw. Justin Jefferson emerged as an elite wideout as a rookie last season, and giving Cousins more time is only going to help the young wideout continue to grow in Year 2.

The New England Patriots are in a good spot heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, as they have addressed numerous holes on their roster via free agency. That makes the No. 15 overall selection more of a luxury pick, and with it, they bring in North Dakota State’s star quarterback, Trey Lance.

With this pick, I could also see the Patriots trading down in the first round, possibly with the Washington Football Team or Chicago Bears, two teams that need a quarterback. Lance would be the long-term solution in New England, as he could learn behind Cam Newton for a year, and take over in 2022.