Alabama Football: 2021 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 with trades
By Dakota Cox
Cincinnati trades back for a franchise tackle
8. Cincinnati Bengals (via CAR): Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
If Penei Sewell is somehow gone before the Bengals are on the clock, their options are limited. He is easily the top prospect in their eyes due to their need to protect Joe Burrow. WIthout Sewell, the Bengals either have to draft OT2 or give Burrow a weapon. Some would want them to take Ja’Marr Chase, but I like the value of trading back and taking Slater later in the top 10.
With Burrow coming off of an injury, the Bengals have to figure out how to protect him. They might sign veterans in free agency, but they need a first-round tackle until that happens. In terms of the value of this class, it makes more sense to draft the second-best tackle and wait on a receiver than the other way around.
Slater has versatility at the tackle position. His size makes him ready to start now. However, he might need to move to right tackle due to the development of Alabama football’s Jonah Williams. Williams struggled last year, but he has what it takes to be a franchise left tackle. If Slater plays LT, Williams would either move to right tackle or guard.
Either way, the Bengals leave the first round with more draft capital and a lineman who can protect Joe Burrow next season. They would rather have Sewell, but this is at least a solid consolation prize.