With the 17th overall pick, the Las Vegas Raiders select Alex Leatherwood, offensive lineman, Alabama.
Analysis: When Leatherwood gets in his pass set comfortably and gets his hands out to attack, he projects well as an edge protector. Then, he’s able to work through the arc and mirror the defender from side to side. Plus blocker on RPO concepts; he’ll use his power in these and any run-action concepts to just bury defensive tackles at times. Has the potential for great footwork in pass protection, though it’s wildly inconsistent and not seen enough.
As a run-blocker, Leatherwood does a good job of getting his hands into a defender’s numbers and using his upper body to win with leverage. Has the upper-body strength to work defenders back when his technique is sound.
But he’s still getting the hang of his footwork; at times, he’ll over-reach with his steps and leave himself vulnerable to inside counters. Must be more aggressive with his hands to offset the tendency to let defenders into his kitchen. Doesn’t show great recovery speed and technique when he’s beaten off the snap. And you’d like to see more of a finishing mentality at times. IN the end, he might be a guard, and perhaps an average one.
Grade: D. I had Leatherwood as my 10th-ranked offensive tackle, and he would have been about my third or fourth guard. I’m not surprised that the Raiders went with a project after trading away most of their offensive line in the offseason — line coach Tom Cable loves projects at the expense of his offenses — but this it a real head-scratcher.