Raiders: What to expect in Year 2 for the 2021 NFL Draft picks

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 10: Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during warmups before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bears defeated the Raiders 20-9. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

Raiders: What to expect in Year 2 for the 2021 NFL Draft picks

Alex Leatherwood

If there was one big disappointment from the 2021 NFL Draft class for the Raiders, it was their first pick, Alex Leatherwood. A bit of a surprising pick for the team in the first round, Leatherwood was instantly inserted as the right tackle, as the franchise took the same approach they took with Kolton Miller a few years back.

As a rookie, just like Miller, Leatherwood struggled, but instead of the team trotting him out there every week like they did with Miller, they moved him inside to right guard. While that could have hurt his spirits, it appears Leatherwood has taken the other route, gotten in great shape, and has been at right tackle early in OTAs.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 28: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers takes the field prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field on November 28, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Rams 36-28. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

3 key ways the Las Vegas Raiders improved this offseason

The Las Vegas Raiders improved the roster in a big way this offseason, and here are three key improvements heading into the summer months.

The hope for all Raiders fans is that Leatherwood can progress the way Miller did, improving in Year 2, and eventually becoming an anchor for this Raiders offensive line. He is going to have a chance to prove that he is the right guy to man the right tackle spot, but this regime did not draft him, and will not hesitate to move him if need be.

Projection: Starting Right Tackle

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