SF 49ers: 3 dark-horse targets for first pick in 2021 NFL Draft

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Chase Young, Rashawn Slater, Ohio State Buckeyes, Northwestern Wildcats

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Chase Young (2) against Northwestern Wildcats lineman Rashawn Slater (70) Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Rashawn Slater. 1. player. 882. . Offensive Line . Wildcats

If you can take one thing out of the Super Bowl this year, it’s that even the most talented quarterback has zero chance of winning if the blocking has him running for his life every play. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes was so desperate to make plays, he was throwing the ball while parallel to the ground. That’s how bad the blocking was.

So naturally, given the SF 49ers’ poorer pass protection this season, an upgrade is needed.

But where do you target for the draft? Do you go for the tackle position, or do you go for the interior blocking that failed a lot in 2020? Granted, backup quarterback play for the Niners generally broke down into Nick Mullens or C.J. Beathard holding onto the ball too long, but the blocking still wasn’t stellar.

You can make an argument to upgrade either, but why argue? Just get Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater, a guy who can play literally anywhere on the line.

Discount the fact Slater has the versatility San Francisco values for its roster. Slater had good film going up against the current Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chase Young in 2019. Young terrorized the NFL at EDGE for Washington, not unlike Nick Bosa did for the SF 49ers the year prior.

In short, Slater can be plugged into any position on the line that’s needed and has the talent to be a top blocker for the team.

Offensive linemen aren’t the sexiest of picks, but you can’t win the Super Bowl without good blocking no matter the quarterback you have.