2021 NFL Draft: OTs the Las Vegas Raiders could target in the second round

Alex Leatherwood would be an outstanding addition for the Raiders

Aside from having a very cool name, Alex Leatherwood is a hell of a player, as well with an elite resume to match. After playing in seven games as a true freshman, he became a starter in his sophomore season and never looked back.

Leatherwood started his career as a tackle, but started at right guard as a sophomore, and then moved to left tackle for his junior and senior seasons. He has the versatility to play both guard and tackle at the NFL level, and this could be a major asset for the Raiders if they need to shuffle the deck due to injury once again.

While at Alabama, Leatherwood was named First Team All-SEC twice in 2019 and 2020 and was Second Team All-SEC in 2018 as a sophomore. 2020 was by far his best season, as he was named a Unanimous All-American, won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, and won the Outland Trophy, an award given to the best interior lineman in college football.

With all of these accolades, one would think that Leatherwood is a slam dunk prospect, but some NFL scouts have concerns about his physicality in the run game and doubt his ability to be an elite left tackle. This could open the door for the Raiders to swoop in and snatch him up in the second round if teams see him more as a right tackle or guard.

Either way, he has the pedigree and experience to come in and play right away and could fill the need for the Raiders at right tackle or swing tackle if they choose to sign a free agent.