Las Vegas Raiders: 3 offensive gambles that didn't pay off in 2021

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders blocks outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett #57 of the Miami Dolphins during their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 offensive gambles that didn’t pay off in 2021

No. 1: Starting Alex Leatherwood at right tackle

During his time with the Raiders franchise, Trent Brown was one of two things: he was either a Pro Bowl right tackle or unavailable. Before the 2021 season, the Raiders decided it was best to part ways with Brown, turning to their first-round draft pick, Alex Leatherwood to take over as the starting right tackle in Year 1.

We have seen this play before, as Kolton Miller was given the starting left tackle job back in 2018, only to struggle mightily as a rookie. However, Miller at least showed he could play the position, which was not what happened with Leatherwood, who has since been moved inside to guard and is still struggling.

When the Raiders drafted Leatherwood in the first round, it was met with some shock, as many had a second-round grade on him. Through his first 13 NFL games, all starts, Leatherwood has yet to show that he can be a capable player at the NFL level, which is pretty alarming considering the Silver and Black used a first-round pick on him.

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