Alex Leatherwood had a really tough rookie season for the Raiders. After being picked at No. 17 in the 2021 NFL Draft, he was quickly moved from the right tackle spot inside to guard after several poor performances.
While Leatherwood did play better at guard, that isn’t his natural position and his play was still average, at best. So what does the future hold for Leatherwood in Year 2?
In a recent article by Vic Tafur of The Athletic, he believes that Leatherwood will likely be a backup during the 2022 season with Denzelle Good likely taking his spot at guard or potentially right tackle. Here is what Tafur had to say about the former first-round pick from Alabama:
“I could be wrong but when the nicest thing that McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler can say about Leatherwood is that he played a lot last season, I think he is backup. Maybe in Denzelle Good’s old role as backup guard/tackle.
Leatherwood is in very good shape and will have a chance to fight for a spot at training camp. I am pulling for him. It’s not his fault the Raiders didn’t pick him in the second round.”
As Tafur mentioned, the Raiders will have a big camp battle on the offensive line as they have no entrenched starters at left guard, right guard or right tackle. And with Leatherwood being in better shape, he’s put himself in a good position to compete for a starting job.
However, Tafur could be right here as the Raiders might view Leatherwood as a backup who can fill in at multiple spots on gameday. That position does have value, but not when you are a top-20 selection.
Time will tell if Leatherwood can grab one of the starting spots on the roster. But as we stand right now, it is likely Leatherwood won’t be a Day 1 starter for the Raiders.
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