2021 NFL Draft: Players whose stock rose from National Championship

Alex Leatherwood and Deonte Brown

The win for Alabama started up front with the hog mollies, the offensive line. They set the tone and wore down the Ohio State defense. With center Landon Dickerson out, others had to step up against a potent defensive line.

It started with left tackle Alex Leatherwood and left guard Deonte Brown.

Leatherwood made the move to tackle in 2019 after Jonah Williams went on to the NFL. Coming into 2020, many draft analysts believed Leatherwood would still be best suited at guard, even though he had a solid year at tackle. In 2020, Leatherwood proved he belongs at tackle and should play there in the NFL.

He may not have the quickest feet in pass protection, but he stays centered with good balance. He has a strong pair of mitts and is consistently quick off the ball in the run game. Leatherwood is also a big-time finisher and showed that off against the Buckeyes all night long. He’s firmly in the first-round discussion.

Brown was a little lesser known coming into the season. He has a stout, stocky build for a guard, and rarely gives up ground against interior pass rushers. Believing that Brown can’t be effective on the move with pulls and getting out in front of outside runs is a mistake as he moves very well for his size. Brown will likely be an option on day two who has very good success at the next level.