Former Alabama first-round OL Alex Leatherwood picked up by Chicago Bears

Following his surprising release from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, former first-round draft pick Alex Leatherwood has been picked up by the Chicago Bears. The Raiders released the former Alabama Crimson Tide tackle after he struggled during his rookie season and through the 2022 preseason.

Waiving Leatherwood meant a $7.9 million salary cap hit for the Raiders. The team tried to work out trade deals with the other 31 NFL teams but failed, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Leatherwood was the third first-round pick the organization cut since 2020, including fellow former Alabama standout Henry Ruggs III and Damon Arnette.

After starting the first four games of the 2021 season at left tackle and recording the lowest pass-blocking grade of any rookie tackle since 2006, Leatherwood changed positions. Then-head coach Jon Gruden tried the former No. 17-overall pick at right guard, instead of right tackle.

This offseason, Leatherwood made headlines for struggling during preseason games. Last week, in the preseason game versus the Dolphins, he allowed a sack, a quarterback hit, a hurry, and two pressures.

Despite a rocky start to his NFL career, at just 23 years old, the Florida native has a lot of football ahead of him. Although teams didn’t want to take a chance with his massive price tag, the Bears are giving him a fresh opportunity after claiming him off of waivers.

Leatherwood at Alabama

Leatherwood was a five-star recruit coming out of Booker T. Washington High School (FL.). He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the nation in the 2017 signing class and the No. 1 offensive lineman, according to the On3 Consensus. He committed to Alabama as a junior.

The lineman went on to play in seven games as a freshman, including seeing significant playing time in the 2018 CFP National Championship Game. He stepped in the game at left tackle after Jonah Williams went down with an injury.

As a sophomore, Leatherwood moved first to right tackle, then right guard, starting every game at right guard. He moved back to left tackle prior to his junior season, earning first-team All-SEC by the league’s coaches. As a senior, Leatherwood started every game and received first-team All-SEC recognition and the Outland Trophy.