5 players the Las Vegas Raiders cannot live without in 2022
By Alex Perl
5 players the Las Vegas Raiders cannot live without in 2022
Alex Leatherwood
I was almost shocked myself when I added this name to the list; but, let’s be honest, the Raiders may have to live and die by the development of their second-year tackle (or guard?). The Raiders’ offensive line was abysmal in 2021. Penalties, sacks, and quarterback pressure were aplenty in 2021, while also allowing virtually no running holes for the Raiders’ rushing attack to thrive.
Alex Leatherwood may have been the chief in charge of these said errors. However, with such a mighty investment into the former Alabama All-American; the future for the 23-year-old may not be as bleak as most have gone on to predict.
The Silver and Black had one consistent offensive lineman last season in left tackle Kolton Miller. But, we must remember that the dazzling and consistent play of Miller was not always this way. As a rookie, Miller was one of the worst-graded offensive linemen in all of football.
The hope is that after being moved inside to guard last season, Leatherwood can return to his natural position at tackle, and can man the right tackle position while using his once thought superior strength to regain the high investment of his first-round stock last season.
If Leatherwood can turn the corner and develop into even a “serviceable” right tackle, this can take the already high expectations of this Raiders team and raise the bar even higher. If this offensive line and Leatherwood can keep quarterback Derek Carr’s pocket clean with his new plethora of weapons; this team can truly rise to the top of the division.