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Raiders NFL Draft: 3 words to describe each 2021 picks rookie season

By Alexander Monfreda

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: Alex Leatherwood is selected 17th by the Las Vegas Raiders during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: Alex Leatherwood is selected 17th by the Las Vegas Raiders during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 10: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes as Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders guards during the first half at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 10: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes as Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders guards during the first half at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images) /

Raiders: 3 words to describe each 2021 picks rookie season

Alex Leatherwood: Finished Season Strong

When I say some of the rookies were underwhelming, right tackle/guard Alex Leatherwood is the poster child of what I’m referring to.

The ’21 Raiders’ offensive line was one that frequently struggled, earning them a bottom-five ranking per Pro Football Focus. The line was a major part of quarterback Derek Carr being sacked the fifth-most times, and Leatherwood himself was a big reason why.

Throughout the season, Leatherwood allowed the second-most sacks across the league with 8, and the third-most penalties committed leaguewide at a staggering 14. All in all, this gave the rookie offensive lineman a PFF grade of 45.

It wasn’t all low for Leatherwood last year. Midway through the season, the coaching staff thought it best to move the first-round pick to right guard, letting Brandon Parker take over right tackle duties. While it originally seemed the switch didn’t help the Alabama alum much, Leatherwood began to noticeably improve down the stretch, proving he can be a viable option at guard.

The most impressive game for Leatherwood came in week 18; A game against the division rival Chargers, with a trip to the postseason on the line. This was by far the biggest regular-season game for Raiders, possibly in the last decade, and the first-round pick performed like a first-round pick.

Throughout the entire contest, the rookie allowed just 1 pressure, helping Las Vegas punch their official playoff ticket. I note this win propelled the Raiders to the “official” playoffs, because this was as close to a playoff game as it gets, without actually being in the postseason; A win sent the winning team to the playoffs, while a loss sent the loser home. Alternatively, a tie would’ve continued both of their seasons.

The beginning of Leatherwood’s rookie campaign was disastrous, but perhaps it was a result of him being just that – A rookie. The 22-year-old found his rhythm as the season went on, and more importantly, showed he can be counted on in the biggest of games. For Leatherwood, if the end of the season was any indication of what’s to come, the future is bright.

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