Bears Claim OL Alex Leatherwood

After failing to find a suitable trade option earlier this week, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to waive their former first-round draft pick, Alex Leatherwood.  The second-year player reportedly struggled in his transition from tackle to guard during his rookie season.

Due to recent injuries in Las Vegas’ offensive line, Leatherwood had a chance to prove himself during the Raider’s preseason.  However, in a match-up against the Miami Dolphins, Leatherwood did not live up to his expectations.  After giving up a sack, he was benched and later played behind Jermaine Eluemunor during the team’s off-season practices.

Former Pro Bowl selection, Mitchell Schwartz, noted that Leatherwood struggles with a technical issue.  His “biggest mechanical problem is he punches too low,” and “when the defender does anything to his right arm, he’s got no leverage and no pressure going upwards,” Schwartz says.

Leatherwood had a standout career at the University of Alabama, where he helped the program win two National Championships.  During his collegiate career, he also added Outland and Jacobs Blocking trophies in 2020.  Given his resume, there’s no doubt that Leatherwood can eventually compete at the NFL level.