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2021 NFL mock draft: How the first round could play out for K.C. Chiefs

By Logan Lazarczyk

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Brett Veach General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the final minutes of the game against the Miami Dolphin from the visiting team tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Brett Veach General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the final minutes of the game against the Miami Dolphin from the visiting team tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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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)
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) /

13. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

The Chargers figured out their quarterback situation when they drafted Justin Herbert sixth overall in last year’s draft. Now, it’s time to figure out how to protect the highly-talented signal caller. The Chargers seem to be in a situation where they will have to reconstruct the offensive line. Mike Pouncey retired in February and Los Angeles released right guard Trai Turner after one season with the team.

Who can go wrong with Rashawn Slater as the cornerstone of their offensive line? Slater will slide right into left tackle and protect Justin Herbert’s blindside. Slater is 6’3, 305 pounds and is the most sound offensive lineman in this year’s draft. His flexibility and quick feet allow him to play anywhere on the offensive line. If they can stay healthy, the Chargers are easily the biggest threat to the Chiefs in the AFC West.

Los Angeles’ defense is loaded with Joey Bosa and Derwin James as the cornerstones on that side of the ball. Offensively, the Chargers possess Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. All around, the Chargers have one of the deepest rosters in the league.

14. Minnesota Vikings: EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan

The Vikings possess absolutely no pass rush, and it showed last season when the defense only generated 23 sacks. Kwity Paye will be a much needed boost to the defensive front and will offer speed at the snap. One concern for Paye is his run-stopping ability. Teams may look to expose his side of the field when running the ball. However, Paye’s pass rushing ability should overshadow some of his weaknesses at the next level. Paye has high upside and could be a disruptor for years to come.

15. New England Patriots: LB Micah Parsons, Penn State

This is arguably the steal of the first round if Micah Parsons slips to this pick. Parsons is a ball-hawking linebacker who can electrify the defense with speed and strength. The Patriots would get younger on the defensive side with a player who can step right in and make an immediate impact. New England can be a sneaky competitive team with the amount of money they have in cap space and the abundance of picks they possess. It will be interesting to see if Bill Belichick and the Patriots compile some of their picks to trade up or back into the first round.

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