Alex Leatherwood

UPDATE: Alex Leatherwood was cut from the final roster in 2022. He was picked up off waivers by the Chicago Bears.

Having been a pick for the NFL draft while still in college, Alex Leatherwood has been watched by football fans around the globe. Alex being an offensive lineman and being picked in round one of the 2021 draft means he’s very special. No one picks a lineman in Round 1! As a starter for the Las Vegas Raiders, you might be curious about his life before pro ball.

Alex Leatherwood Before 2021 NFL Draft

Young Alex started playing football at Booker T. Washington High School in his hometown, Pensacola, Florida. With his five-star athletic performance in High School, he received compelling offers from prestigious universities. Eventually, Alex chose to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide — a known factory of offensive talents.

By starting at the University of Alabama a semester early, Alex could play 7 additional games as a freshman. Throughout his college years, he performed well both as a right guard and left tackle. Playing two positions made him a hot pick for the NFL draft in 2020. However, Alex soon announced his choice to finish his degree and stayed, playing his senior season in Alabama.

Alex’s 2021 NFL Draft, Finally!

With his versatility on the football field, and his history of spectacular play proven by numerous awards and recognitions, the Raiders chose Alex as their first first-round draft pick. Alex signed a contract worth an estimated $14 million with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The 2022 season was very rough for Alex and the Raiders. At one point during the season, Alex had the most penalties in the NFL. Over his first 12 games, he received 13 flags for 83 penalty yards. To give him credit, he completed the 2021 season with a total of 14 penalties. 2022 may see Alex in a backup position.