Raiders: Alex Leatherwood’s credentials make him a smart pick, not a reach
Raiders: Alex Leatherwood’s credentials make him a smart pick, not a reach
Alex Leatherwood’s skills and accomplishments make him a smart pick
Alex Leatherwood’s resume is downright incredible, as he is one of the most decorated offensive lineman to come out of college football in a long time. He is a two-time national champion as a starter in 2020 and a rotation player in 2017, but he did play the majority of the snaps in the title game that made Tua Tagovailoa an Alabama legend.
After a Second Team All-SEC mention in 2018, he would go on to be First Team All-SEC in 2019 and 2020, was a Unanimous All American in 2020, won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for best blocker in the SEC and the Outland Trophy for best lineman in the country.
Winning these awards is not a guarantee of being a great NFL player but some of the names from the last decade include Brandon Scherff and Cam Robinson who are both great pros. There are plenty of flameouts on the list as well but the good definitely outweighs the bad when it comes to the Outland Trophy.
Leatherwood’s accomplishments are one thing but he also has the measurables and attitude to succeed at the NFL level. Measuring in at close to 6-5, 312lbs with an 84-inch wingspan, Leatherwood looks the part of an NFL starter and still has room to grow and mature as he still just 22 years old.
He ran a 4.99 40 time and is in the 90th or better percentile in categories such as vertical jump, broad jump, 40 yard dash.
The former Crimson Tide star has the athleticism to be great at the NFL level and some believe he is the best run blocker in the draft thanks to his aggressiveness and strength. He graded out at 80.7 by PFF and their primary concern is pass protection in space which can be worked on.
The Raiders also have the option of starting him at RG and having veteran Denzelle Good play RT and eventually switching them both back to their original positions.
Next. Las Vegas Raiders quick reaction NFL Grades 2021: Alex Leatherwood. dark
Every year the talent evaluators and fans talk about players being reaches based on their draft positions but what matters is results and not where a player was selected. In 2020 the NFL All-Pro offensive line group included players drafted in the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th round among of course the top 10 and 1st round picks.
If Leatherwood becomes a good starter for the Raiders then his draft position will be irrelevant and from the looks of it, he has the measurables, athleticism, talent, and drive to be a great NFL player.