2021 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom First-Round Mock Draft

The Falcons traded their fourth pick and are now on the clock at No. 9.

With the ninth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select…

Falcons GM: Kole

After trading back from No. 4, the Falcons had a few different routes they could go in. They could add one of the two top wide receivers still on the board or look to add some help on defensive. My choice might seem surprising, but drafting for depth is never a bad idea, especially on the offensive line.

Rashawn Slater is a versatile offensive lineman who the Falcons are hoping to plug and play along their offensive line. He’ll be a starter on Day 1 and will ensure that Matt Ryan is well-protected.

Staff Reaction: Atlanta originally had pick No. 4, but traded down five spots with Denver while netting a 2021 third-rounder and a 2022 first-rounder. So that’s good. Slater’s selection…meh. The Falcons look set at tackle with Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary. Feel like they would’ve been better off taking one of the Alabama wide receivers, but perhaps Slater can immediately start at guard. – Cullen

With the 10th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select…

Cowboys GM: Leigh

Aside from Trevor Lawrence going No. 1 overall to the Jaguars, there doesn’t seem to be another player more destined to go somewhere than Patrick Surtain II landing with the Cowboys at No. 10. The Cowboys have plenty of needs this offseason and Surtain would give them the lockdown corner they’ve been searching for. It’s hard to picture him going to any other team at this point.

Staff Reaction: All chatter to the contrary, the Cowboys ‘should’ go defense in the first and they do here with Surtain. A quality cornerback with some toughness, he should pair well with Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis. With an aging offensive line and an injury-prone defensive front (especially at linebacker) I’d expect the Cowboys to look in those spots next, but, Surtain is a quality prospect here. – John