2021 NFL Draft: 3 perfect targets for Ravens at offensive tackle

2. Alex Leatherwood (Alabama)

Alex Leatherwood is a very good prospect at offensive tackle. The thing that sticks out to me about Leatherwood’s game is how smooth he is. He’s 6-5 and weighs 312 pounds. He’s coming into the 2021 NFL Draft as a senior out of Alabama. So the short story here is that he looks the part and he comes from the perfect situation at the collegiate level.

Leatherwood’s tape was almost frustrating to break down because it was hard to find negatives. That being said, it’s almost impossible to find Alabama in a game where the offensive line got all that tested. The Crimson Tide were literally miles ahead of their competition in the 2020 season and barely played in close games.

Leatherwood could have a bit more height and length, but it’s not like he’s dramatically undersized. He has very active feet and he doesn’t waste movement. There’s a lot to like, if you’re skeptical of Leatherwood you may be thinking too much about this one.

Some pundits believe that Leatherwood is better suited at guard than he is at tackle. In fact, his NFL Draft Network profile by Jordan Reid has his ideal role listed as

"“Starting right or left guard that first should be experimented with at right or left tackle.”"

What I see in Leatherwood is a solid prospect with very few red flags. It’s a safe pick even if it; s not the most exciting. The Ravens need a future at right tackle and could use some help on the inside at the moment. If the Ravens see Leatherwood as a guard with the potential to be the tackle opposite of Ronnie Stanley, it’s hard to say no to that.

The Ravens getting Leatherwood in the first round is not unlikely. Remember, Leatherwood isn’t the flashiest prospect. Teams debating about his position and his upside could knock his draft stock down. If the Ravens could grab Leatherwood in the second it would be an absolute steal. That being said, they’ll likely have to take him with the 27th overall pick if they want him.