5 Raiders who desperately need to develop in the 2022 offseason

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 24: Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders blocks defensive tackle Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles in front of quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Raiders during their game at Allegiant Stadium on October 24, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 33-22. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

5 Raiders who desperately need to develop in the 2022 offseason

No. 1: Alex Leatherwood

One of the bigger disappointments of the 2021 NFL season for the Raiders was the play of the right tackle position, specifically first-round pick, Alex Leatherwood. Expected to come in and be the starting right tackle opposite Kolton Miller, giving the Raiders a long-term solution as bookends at the spot, Leatherwood struggled mightily and ended up being kicked inside to guard.

Based on his lack of agility, tackle is likely not the spot he should be in, and the hope is that he can develop into an elite offensive guard, especially being a first-round pick. Las Vegas is likely to target the offensive tackle spot early in the 2022 NFL Draft, so his days as a tackle are over in the Silver and Black, but he can be an above-average guard if he puts the work in.

These five are going to play a crucial role in the Raiders’ success in 2022 and beyond, so this is a huge offseason for them. Some are entering the early part of their career where the team needs to start thinking about a second contract, and with a new regime in place, this is a huge offseason for all of them.