2021 NFL Draft: Raiders top 5 worst picks of the first round
The 2021 NFL Draft‘s first round is in the books, and it was a ton of fun. There were wild twists and turns throughout just like everyone expected, and some unexpected Aaron Rodgers drama.
There is nothing worse than some person in the media taking shots at your favorite team’s first-round pick, but I drew that short straw this year. Keep in mind, I’m an extremely positive person and my preferred method of evaluation is to find the best possible outcome for players that get selected and follow that track as long as possible.
With that being said, there are picks that just flat out don’t make sense or players that teams pass on for other players that don’t make a lot of sense. Let’s dive into the top-five worst picks in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
1. Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama (17th pick, Raiders)
The Las Vegas Raiders, with Jon Gruden at head coach and Mike Mayock as general manager, have not been making good use of their high draft selections.
In 2019, they used first-round picks on Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, and Johnathan Abram. In 2020, they used first-round picks on Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette.
The most successful of those selections so far is Jacobs, who plays the least valuable position in the NFL.
The Raiders seem to have a significant bias toward Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State players since Mayock took over, and that obsession has obviously taken root.
Alex Leatherwood was a popular first-round mock draft selection in many mock drafts that were made a year ago. The versatile lineman could play guard or tackle for the Raiders and there’s no doubt he can end up a good pro, but at pick 17 overall?
Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Leatherwood rated as the 34th overall prospect overall in this draft.
The Raiders could have had a pass rusher like Jaelan Phillips, they could have gone after Leatherwood’s teammate Christian Barmore, or they could have moved some assets to get up for Rashawn Slater, a vastly superior prospect.
Ultimately, Leatherwood will have to be a day one starter and he’s capable of it, but you have to wonder if what the Raiders passed on was worth it here.