Las Vegas Raiders: Top-5 2021 offseason additions

Las Vegas Raiders: Top-5 2021 offseason additions

3. Alex Leatherwood – Right Tackle

The Raiders used the 17th overall pick on tackle Alex leatherwood out of the University of Alabama. The pick was originally lambasted by many analysts who had Leatherwood as a second-round pick but reports have come out since then that he would not have made it out of the first round.

The Raiders also had a late second-round pick so it was unlikely he would have been available at that point either.

No matter what the draft analysts say, the important thing is whether or not this young man can play at the NFL level. The Raiders clearly believe he can do so, and they have had good success in recent years evaluating and developing offensive line talent.

Leatherwood is a giant of a man at 6-5, 312lbs, and has long arms that give him the ideal build for an offensive tackle. He is a former three-year starter at both RG and LT who has not missed a game in his college career and has all the accolades and talent worthy of a first-round pick including two national championships and an Outland Trophy.

The former Alabama star also fills a massive need for the Raiders as they needed an elite right tackle after trading the oft-injured Trent Brown. Leatherwood’s size and strength make him a natural fit for the power offense the Raiders are trying to run and if he succeeds, no one will care that he was a reach in the draft.