Raiders treasure chest of first-round picks has turned into Fool’s Gold
By Brad Weiss
![HENDERSON, NEVADA - JULY 29: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs a drill during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 29, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) HENDERSON, NEVADA - JULY 29: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs a drill during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 29, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1331319870-850x560-bb73f7c7301a4b848e6c38b82bcf0b02a72ecd50435d36e18f3eb15975355477.jpg)
Raiders treasure chest of first-round picks has turned into Fool’s Gold
2021 NFL Draft’s first round
This offseason, the organization made the decision to revamp their entire offensive line, and that meant trading away the likes of Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson, and Trent Brown. Hudson, the best center in the league, was the biggest shock, but Jackson and Brown were both starters, with Brown being a Pro Bowl right tackle when healthy.
To make up for the trade of Brown, the Raiders selected Alex Leatherwood from Alabama in the first round, another selection that came as a shock. Most scouts had Leatherwood as a second-round pick, and there were still higher-graded players available, including Christian Darrisaw and Teven Jenkins.
In Year 1, Leatherwood has been a mess, as he is one of the worst pass blockers in the NFL, and has since been moved from right tackle to right guard. He may end up being a solid guard at the NFL level, but this is another miss for Mayock and Gruden, as the offensive line has been absolutely horrendous since the bye week.