The 17th overall selection came and went for the Las Vegas Raiders on draft night. Fans for the most part weren’t too happy with the pick.
The Raiders needed to address their offensive line deficiencies after what’s been a tumultuous offseason. The organization decided to part ways with a couple of starters, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson. However, that wasn’t all, as Trent Brown was traded back to his old team in the New England Patriots. It wasn’t all bad news for Las Vegas all things being fair. After all, they retain swing offensive lineman Denzelle Good, and Richie Incognito will be back. To make sure that the right side of the offensive line us held down, Raiders brass opted to go with Alex Leatherwood from Alabama with the 17th overall selection.
Leatherwood could turn out to be a solid starting tackle in the long run, especially under Tom Cable’s tutelage. Many fans pointed out that the fanbase was very disappointed when Kolton Miller was chosen and he turned out to be a franchise left tackle. The problem that many have with the Raiders’ pick is that Leatherwood was chosen over a bevy of talented defenders.
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What did Raiders fans have to say?
As usual, Raider Nation didn’t disappoint with their reactions on social media in regards to the Silver and Black. In fact, it could be argued that one of the biggest Raiders’ fans is NBA superstar Damian Lillard who had the best reaction with just one word.
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) April 30, 2021
NFL writers also had some negative reactions on top of Raider Nation not feeling too good about the selection.
Alex Leatherwood is my No. 69 overall player.
Last year, Damon Arnette was my No. 99 overall player.#Raiders took both in Round 1
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 30, 2021
The #Raiders pick is a giant run blocker. It will be ok
— Vdr (@RayMartinez009) April 30, 2021
#Raiders Draft Night
Champagne in my hand, it won’t be long till I’m gone
It’s just the same old song
— THE BOOTS (@LeaveTheBootsOn) April 30, 2021
Typical raiders reach. Hope he turns out to be an all-pro. Questionable strategy at best by Gruden, Mayock, Davis, whomever is calling shots. #Raiders #NFLDraft2021
— Giovanni B. Rivera (@thatboygiovanni) April 30, 2021
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*Top Photo: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal