Las Vegas Raiders quick reaction NFL Grades 2021: Alex Leatherwood
Raiders select Alex Leatherwood: How he helps the team
Alex Leatherwood helps the Las Vegas Raiders right away by filling a major need on the offensive line and giving them a player that projects to be a starter from day one. They made some major moves on the offensive line this offseason and get younger and cheaper with this selection.
Some scouts believe that Leatherwood projects long term as a guard but regardless of where he plays, if he is an immediate contributor and keeps the pressure off of Derek Carr, then it will be a worthwhile selection. He is known for his excellent technique and strength in pass protection but will need to work on his run blocking which is something he can surely develop with help from Tom Cable.
When drafted, Raiders Twitter went crazy in terms of the team reaching for Leatherwood, as he was considered a second-round prospect by many experts. However, he was an anchor on the best offensive line in college football last season, and anytime you can get a player like that, it is a win.