Alex Leatherwood 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Alex Leatherwood

Position: Offensive Tackle

College: Alabama

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 312 lbs

Overall Rank: No. 69 overall

Position Rank: OT11

Strengths: Leatherwood was a three-year starter in the best program in the nation, including one season at right guard and two at left tackle blocking for top-10 overall quarterbacks. NFL teams can be confident that he’s faced NFL-caliber players and dealt with NFL-caliber coaching and expectations. As a result of his experience, Leatherwood has excellent on-field awareness and understands angles in the run game. He’s able to use his above-average athleticism, paired with good processing, to routinely put himself in an advantageous position on the field. Aggression in the run game comes naturally, allowing him to get out of his stance with explosiveness and get right into the defender's frame to start the fight. Leatherwood is comfortable as a pass protector, getting depth in his set with ease and winning the initial race to the edge. Leatherwood has good overall length and enough mass on his frame to wash out speed rushers on the edge and anchor versus power. The overall competitive toughness is clear on film and he’s not going to back down from a challenge in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Leatherwood is a solid overall athlete but he does have some limitations in mobility in his lower half. Legitimate speed rushers or defenders that can threaten his edge and counter inside with fluidity will catch him early, as seen by some of his losses at the Senior Bowl.

What I Love: Leatherwood has the versatility to play any spot on the line and comes with clear-cut foundational traits and experience in a demanding program. The expectations in the NFL won’t overwhelm him.

NFL Comparison: Tytus Howard

Grade: 79/100

Position Specific Traits:
(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Agility: ++
Footwork: ++
Length: +
Run Blocking: ++
Pass Blocking: ++
Strength: ++