Denver Broncos NFL Draft: First-round pick should be one of these 6 guys

6 of 7

Rashawn Slater, 2021 NFL Draft, Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos 2021 NFL Draft prospect Rashawn Slater. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Despite paying Ja’Wuan James a massive free agent contract in 2019, the Denver Broncos still have a question mark at right tackle.

James missed most of the 2019 season due to injury and he opted out of 2020. With a 17-game slate on deck for 2021, can the team count on James to do what George Paton said is expected, which is to be the starting right tackle and play well?

I’m not sure.

We’ll see what the Denver Broncos think here.

Paton talked about the depth of this offensive line class and there will be chances to get potential starters at right tackle well beyond the first round, but Rashawn Slater is a special talent who could also be a guard in the event something doesn’t work out with Graham Glasgow, too.

You never know.

Slater has played both right and left tackle at Northwestern, and he showed why he is worthy of a top-10 selection against Ohio State in 2019.

He opted out of the 2020 season but Slater undoubtedly is a first-round talent and plug-and-play NFL starter.

Home/Broncos Draft