2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 24th overall
OT. Alabama. Alex Leatherwood. 24. player. 55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Despite starting the 2020 season off by going 11-0 the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of work to do if they want to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2021. One of the things the team must fix is its running game. Last season, the Steelers finished dead last in both rushing yards per game and yards per carry. One of the things they need to address is their offensive line especially the right tackle spot in order to improve their run game.
A player who could potentially fill this need is Alex Leatherwood of Alabama. Over the past few seasons, Leatherwood has been one of the better offensive tackles in the country being named All-SEC in 2019 and a unanimous first-team All-American in 2020. He has also graded extremely high by the Alabama coaching staff as he was given a grade of 91.5 this past season.
If the Steelers were able to select Leatherwood with the 24th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he would likely win the right tackle job. He would also immediately improve Pittsburgh’s running game as he shows outstanding strength in the run game. The team could also consider keeping him at his college position of left tackle if Alejandro Villanueva leaves in free agency.