The Las Vegas Raiders are just a few weeks away from getting their training camp underway for 2022. However, who among the Raiders’ players has impressed so far in offseason activities?
According to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez, second-year offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood is surprising folks to this point. The Alabama product struggled mightily in his rookie campaign. From the moment that the team’s former brass (Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden) made the selection, it came under question. Many people questioned why a player projected to be an NFL guard was taken so high when the Raiders needed a proven right tackle. As expected, Leatherwood did indeed struggle from the outset. Eventually, he was moved inside. Once there, he salvaged some of his rookie year, though it was obvious that Leatherwood would’ve been better off as a guard.
Alex Leatherwood is making the most of this offseason out of all the Raiders’ players
It was frustrating for Raiders fans (and no doubt for the coaching staff) to see Leatherwood struggle. Costly penalties in both the regular season and playoffs marred any progress Leatherwood might’ve shown. Gutierrez says, however, that Leatherwood is making the most of his chance with his new coaches so far.
“The oft-maligned 2021 first-round pick, who was moved from right tackle to right guard after just four games last season, spent a lot of time back at right tackle this offseason. He was drafted to be a tackle and, as coach Josh McDaniels said, Leatherwood would be given every opportunity to win the gig back. So, getting that much time on the outside should do wonders for his confidence, as well as put him on track to reclaim his old job. Whether that’s a positive development for the offensive line as a whole remains to be seen.” — Paul Gutierrez
When the Raiders’ brought in their new power duo of Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels, there were to be several changes. Among them was using competition as the driving force in finding the best suitable player for each position. That was especially true with the offensive line. A group that has remained intact from last season. Yes, Leatherwood struggled, but so far, he’s impressing and making the most of this opportunity. Many fans are concerned about him potentially being the starting right tackle on Day 1. While that concern is warranted based on 2021, this is a new regime. For now, McDaniels would not start Leatherwood if he felt he was a liability. It appears that fans will just have to stay tuned through training camp.
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*Top Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports