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2021 NFL Draft: 49ers bulk up secondary in full Round 1 mock

By Peter Panacy

University of Alabama's Patrick Surtain II (2) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
University of Alabama's Patrick Surtain II (2) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chase Young, Rashawn Slater, Ohio State Buckeyes, Northwestern Wildcats, SF 49ers
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. 10. player. 123. . Offensive Tackle. Dallas Cowboys

2021 NFL Draft: Cowboys select offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

In non-quarterbacking talk, the Dallas Cowboys’ selection at No. 10 overall could have serious implications on what the Niners do with their top pick.

Blunt terms, if the Cowboys zig, San Francisco will zag. And in this case, it’s between cornerback and the offensive line.

Dallas could go with a cornerback here. It’s surely a need, and one figures new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will want a good cover guy to help bulk up what was a terrible defense last season.

Yet there’s also a glaring need to protect quarterback Dak Prescott, too, assuming he’s retained. And the Cowboys would be silly to let the still-pending free agent walk this offseason.

The Cowboys elect to protect their biggest should-be investment with more O-line help, grabbing Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, who’s the No. 2-ranked lineman behind Penei Sewell on most big boards.

Dallas will have to figure out its defensive problems later in the draft.