Las Vegas Raiders: Expect Alex Leatherwood to start at RT in 2022

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)
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)

The Las Vegas Raiders made plenty of moves on both sides of the ball, but it appears they will be content with Alex Leatherwood at RT in 2022.

The Las Vegas Raiders punched their ticket to the playoffs for only the second time in the last 20 years this past season, winning four straight to close the regular season to do so. Throughout their 17-game stretch, the team battled through issues on the field, as well as off of it, but still managed to come together and do the impossible.

Now, after an offseason that saw them make plenty of moves to bolster the roster, it has become the expectation that the Silver and Black will make a return trip to the playoffs. Sure, they play in a very tough division, but they have as much talent as any team in the AFC West, including some of the best players at their individual position groups.

Despite that, Las Vegas still has some serious question marks, including upfront along the offensive line. Last year, Alex Leatherwood was given the starting right tackle job as a rookie, and played so badly that he was kicked inside, but will he really be given another chance to win the job this summer?

Based on early reports, that answer is a resounding yes.

Raiders likely to have Leatherwood at RT in 2022

During camp so far, Leatherwood has been at right tackle the majority of the time, and it appears that the plan going forward is for him and Kolton Miller as the bookends of this offensive line. Of course, this was one of many storylines heading into the mandatory minicamp, and based on early returns, Leatherwood looks in better shape, and ready to erase the memory of a rough rookie season.

Miller was able to do that, so why not Leatherwood?

Truthfully, the Raiders’ offense has more than enough talent to be one of the more explosive units in the NFL next season, and they should be able to put up points with anybody. However, if their offensive line struggles on the right side like it did last year, things could go sideways in a hurry.

If Leatherwood is better, that should not happen.

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