2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders reach for Alex Leatherwood at No. 17

The Las Vegas Raiders lost many key pieces along the offensive line this offseason, so taking one at No. 17 in the 2021 NFL Draft was not much of a surprise. That being said, with the talent still available on the board, Alex Leatherwood was a reach in this range.

Leatherwood is a big, long and strong offensive lineman who wins with impressive power at the point of attack. He is a strong run blocker whose physical demeanor will fit well with this team. That being said, Leatherwood does struggle at times in pass protection and may not be able to handle NFL speed on the edge at the next level.

Leatherwood shined at right guard early in his Alabama career and played well at left tackle the past couple of seasons. However, Leatherwood does tend to give up his inside shoulder at times. He consistently kicks out wide in pass protection, trying to cheat and make up for his lack of footspeed. When the rusher makes a quick move inside, Leatherwood commonly struggles to adapt and will give up many hurries in these situations.

Las Vegas Raiders select Alex Leatherwood at No. 17 in the 2021 NFL Draft

Personally, I like Leatherwood better inside at the next level. He is a tough and aggressive offensive lineman whose game fits well at the offensive guard position. Because of this, Leatherwood is a fringe first-round player. With Chrisitan Darrisaw and Teven Jenkins still on the board, I simply cannot get behind the Las Vegas Raiders taking Leatherwood at No. 17.

That being said, they likely look at him as their immediate starter at the right tackle position and it is certainly possible that it goes well. If this pick hits and Leatherwood can handle right tackle duties, the Raiders suddenly have a strong young offensive tackle duo with the Alabama product and left tackle Kolton Miller. Even if Leatherwood cannot stick at right tackle, he should be able to make a successful transition inside and be a strong starting offensive guard for many years.

Taking Leatherwood at No. 17 in the 2021 NFL Draft was not a terrible pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, but it was a reach when we consider the players that were still on the board.