The main constant at training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been the poor play of the offensive line. While no one is quite sure if reinforcements via free agency or a trade are on the horizon to bolster the unit, the organization may have no choice but to make a move following the last month of disappointing performances in both practice and games. The rushing attack in the second preseason match-up versus the Jacksonville Jaguars was pretty much nonexistent and the pass protection was not much better. Pro Football Focus released an article Wednesday afternoon detailing surprising cut/trade candidates based on conversations with league sources.
James Daniels runs through drills on the South Side. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The most surprising player mentioned in the article was Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman, Alex Leatherwood. Steelers fans really liked Leatherwood coming out of the University of Alabama and he is a huge body at 6'5'', 312 pounds. There is reason to believe that the Raiders could look to move on from the big man for a couple of simple reasons.
"Leatherwood was the 17th overall pick last spring, but he was taken by former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock. Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler, respectively, are in those roles now, and they’re not tied to past selections from the former brain trust."
Aside from coaching and front office changes, he is coming off of a rocky initial season in the NFL and if the preseason for him is foreshadowing anything, he just might be on his way out.
"Leatherwood isn’t currently starting for the Raiders in training camp, and he was actually benched during Las Vegas’ preseason game against the Dolphins. He’s played into the second half of each of the Raiders’ past two preseason games, and perhaps there could still be a team interested enough to trade for him in the second year of his rookie contract."
That is the most attractive part about Leatherwood if you are part of the Steelers front office. With little cap space to work with, a second-year player who may just need a change of scenery could eventually turn into a staple on the offensive line. He is not due anything more than $2.6 million the next three seasons and if the Raiders organization gives up on him, it probably wouldn't take too much to land the former first round draft pick.
Sure, it is concerning that he is currently not starting and was benched, but not everyone sees eye to eye. McDaniels and Ziegler may have passed on Leatherwood a year ago and simply don't agree with the selection leading to potentially giving up on the lineman.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood blocks during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13, 2021, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
While he was drafted as a tackle, he performed better at guard last year with a PFF grade of 54. When he was in at his college position on the outside, he only earned a disappointing grade of 30.7. It's possible that the system just isn't the right fit for him and moving on for both parties could be the best solution. It's rare to move on from a raw prospect like Leatherwood, but the Raiders could be poised to do just that.
Besides, it wouldn't be the first time that the Steelers swindled the Raiders with a trade:
Colbert said he was "excited" to get third- and fifth-round choices from Raiders in the Antonio Brown trade because they are high picks and give the Steelers four picks in the top 83 -- or one every 21 picks.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 24, 2019
What are your thoughts on a potential move from the Steelers to acquire Leatherwood in an attempt in order to bolster the offensive line? Let us know in the comments below!
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