Las Vegas Raiders: Predictions for the 2021 NFL Draft class
Round 1, Pick 17- Alex Leatherwood- RT- Alabama
It isn’t often when a team drafts a player in the first round without even knowing what position he may play, but nothing the Raiders do in the first round should surprise anyone anymore. I assume Leatherwood will start at right tackle for the Raiders this season, but it is possible they could place him at guard.
Whether you believe Alex Leatherwood was a reach or not, there is no question that he is going to have to play incredibly well to get the media to not give him too much hate, and although the transition for tackles from college to the NFL is extremely difficult, Leatherwood will not be cut any slack.
I predict that Alex Leatherwood will struggle in his rookie season, and will likely give up a lot of pressures and sacks. When the Raiders make these types of picks, it does not tend to work out right away, and typically tackles that are not taken in the top ten struggle at the start of their NFL careers.
Leatherwood will receive a lot of hate early on, but I believe he will turn out like Kolton Miller and perform well for the Raiders once he gets more NFL experience. Unfortunately, I do not believe Leatherwood will make an immediate impact on the team.