Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 NFL Draft Tracker, Grades, and More

Las Vegas Raiders select Alex Leatherwood at No. 17 overall

With the Raiders coming up in the first round, the plan was to address the offensive line, and there were two of the top offensive tackles still on the board. With Christian Darrisaw and Teven Jenkins still out there, the Raiders instead pivoted, going with Alabama offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood.

Considered a second-round prospect by most scouts, Leatherwood was the first big shock of the first round, as even the set of the ESPN broadcast went silent. The telecast stated there was nearly a 70 percent chance that LEatherwood would have still been available at No. 48 overall, so for the Raiders to take him at No. 17 was considered a reach.

We will have to see how this all plays out, but the fact that the Raiders made another presumed reach was not what the fan base wanted to see on night one. Sure, the Raiders need help along the offensive line, but Leatherwood could end up being on the inside when right tackle was the spot that was really needed.