The Leggy 100: Ranking the top 2021 NFL draft prospects
Longtime draft guru Jeff Legwold picks this year's top prospects. Eighty-four of his picks went in the top 100 in 2020.
Legwold has Slater 5th (ahead of Sewell at 8) and Newsome 20th.
5.Rashawn Slater, T, Northwestern, 6-4½, 304 (4.89)
The three-year starter opted out in 2020. His work against Chase Young in 2019 should be enough to tamp down any narrative about moving to guard. Slater has started games at left and right tackle and has smooth footwork, balance and recovery skills.
20. Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern, 6-0¼, 192 (4.39)
Newsome's competitiveness in coverage can be seen on every snap, and he has enough athleticism and speed to match up with NFL receivers. He draws flags at times -- 15 in 21 career games -- but he's too smart, smooth and talented to have that be a nagging issue long term.
2021 mock draft: NFL Nation reporters predict the first round
NFL Nation reporters played general manager for the teams they cover and made picks in a first-round mock draft. Five QBs came off the board within the first 15 picks.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern | HighlightsSlater is considered by some to be the best offensive lineman in the draft, ahead of Sewell. He can play every position on the line. The Chargers are beefing up their line and he could slide into left tackle, a position he played (along with right tackle) at Northwestern before opting out. The object is to protect the franchise in QB Justin Herbert. And Slater had a dominant performance in 2019 against Ohio State's Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick in 2020. -- Shelley Smith
16. Arizona Cardinals
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern | HighlightsNewsome has the size (6-foot-1), speed (4.38 in 40-yard dash) and ability to be the Cardinals' No. 1 cornerback of the future. He's versatile enough to seamless transition into Vance Joseph's scheme and is talented enough to see the field early in his rookie year. Newsome will also benefit from learning from the likes of Malcolm Butler and Robert Alford, as well as Budda Baker and Isaiah Simmons, priming him for a productive career. And with this year's receiving class being so deep, the Cardinals could hold off on drafting one until later rounds if the top three are off the board. -- Josh Weinfuss
