NFL Mock Draft: What the first-round looks like if 49ers pass on Mac Jones

At pick No. 13 overall, the Los Angeles Chargers land a player that is going to protect their No. 1 asset for years to come. The left tackle spot for the Chargers has been an issue for years now, and by selecting Rashawn Slater from Northwestern, they can now be set at this most important spot for the next ten years.

Some actually feel Slater is creeping up on Penei Sewell in terms of draft stock, but for now, he remains the second offensive tackle off the board. He is big, athletic, and strong, and with the Chargers, he will be tasked with protecting the blindside of one of the more exciting young quarterbacks in the league.

Pick No. 14 belongs to the Minnesota Vikings, who need to improve on the interior of their offensive, and defensive lines this offseason. In the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, they get the best interior offensive lineman available, adding USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker, one of the more versatile big men in this draft class.

Minnesota has exciting players on offense, including Dalvin Cook at running back, and Justin Jefferson at wideout, but the offensive line has struggled. Vera-Tucker is a long-term answer in the interior of their offensive line, and he also has the size and skill set to move out to tackle if need be.

After trading the No. 8 overall selection to the New England Patriots, who then selected Trey Lance to be their future quarterback, the Carolina Panthers add an elite linebacker. Carolina is looking for someone to replace Luke Kuechly, who retired after the 2019 season, and in Micah Parsons, they get the best linebacker in this draft class.

Parsons is likely a top-10 talent, but issues with his character could force him to fall, where Matt Rhule and his staff will be waiting with open arms. The Panthers have a solid young roster, and finally have a quarterback, so bringing in talent on the defensive side of the ball makes sense here in the middle of the first round.