The 2021 NFL Draft marks the first time in program history that two Wildcats were drafted in the first round after the selections of Rashawn Slater and Greg Newsome II on Thursday night.

With the 13th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected offensive lineman Rashawn Slater.

The three-year Northwestern starter becomes the 183rd player in program history selected in the NFL Draft and is the first NU player to go in the opening round since DT Luis Castillo was selected 28th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2005. Slater is the highest Wildcat offensive player off the board since Denver took tackle Chris Hinton fourth overall in 1983. He is the ninth first-round pick in program history. 

Cornerback Greg Newsome II was selected in the first round with the 26th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns.

Newsome II becomes the highest-drafted defensive player of the Pat Fitzgerald-era (2006) and the 10th first-round pick in program history.