Las Vegas Raiders that must realize their potential in 2022
By Alex Perl
Las Vegas Raiders that must realize their potential in 2022
Alex Leatherwood
The offensive tackle/guard would be on this list. Leatherwood was not only bad in 2021, but his performances at right tackle were so abysmal, that the Raiders had to shift Leatherwood inside to guard.
With such little movement in terms of offensive line upgrades in the offseason and draft, it seems the Raiders will be giving the former first-round selection another chance at right tackle.
The Raiders did re-sign swing tackle Brandon Parker, but the hope is that Parker who has been largely unimpressive in four seasons, will be more of a depth signing as Leatherwood can reclaim the starting right tackle spot.
The offensive line as a whole in 2021 was one of the weaker spots for the Raiders, quarterback Derek Carr was sacked 40 times. Although no player on the offensive line was productive (outside of left tackle Kolton Miller), the franchise is hoping that Leatherwood can turn around his fortunes and give the Raiders much better production with his rookie season now behind him.
Leatherwood has been working hard in the offseason to work on not only his strength but his lateral footwork, which was a huge issue and caused Leatherwood to finish third in league with 11 penalties last season.
For the Raiders to reach the promised land, the offensive line must hold up for Carr and co. – if Leatherwood has truly improved and can reach his potential and discontinue his constant penalties and allowed pressure and sacks, then the Raiders might be able to display one of their most explosive offenses in recent memory.