Alex Leatherwood

Some Retrospect, Who Was Available Instead of Alex Leatherwood?

A two-headed monster at safety instead of Alex Leatherwood?

Jevon Holland, S – Original Draft Position: No. 36 to the Miami Dolphins

Hear me out. Imagine if the Raiders doubled up on safeties and selected Jevon Holland to pair with Moehrig. Some had concerns that Holland couldn’t be a true centerfielder for a defense. At the time, that was imperative for Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 scheme. In actuality, Holland’s versatility would’ve fit that scheme perfectly, and would look even better under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Holland can hold his own in coverage while also having the ability to put pressure on the quarterback. The Oregon product was a favorite of PFF, which ranked him as the fourth best safety at the end of his first season. The Raiders currently hope a combination of Johnathan Abram, Duron Harmon, and Moehrig can get it done in the secondary.

Ahh, what could’ve been?

Landon Dickerson, OG – Original Draft Position: No. 37 to the Philadelphia Eagles

Not a fan of the Safety Dance? How about taking the better Alabama offensive line prospect? No, Landon Dickerson is not a tackle. In my defense, though, Leatherwood isn’t one either. He too is better suited at guard, and Dickerson would’ve been a better choice for the Raiders at that position too. Dickerson slipped in the draft due to injury concerns, but he would play 859 offensive snaps in his rookie year, surrendering just two sacks while being a stalwart in the run game (statistics per PFF). Beginning to sense a theme here?

Next: A defensive tackle would’ve looked good right about now

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