Raiders Officially Waive Young Offensive Lineman

Yesterday, it was revealed that the Las Vegas Raiders were trying to find a trade partner for 2021 first-round draft pick Alex Leatherwood, and today answered the question of whether or not they could find one, as he was officially waived by the team. Leatherwood joins several players from 2019-2021 picked in the first round by Las Vegas that are gone from the team, and it's a little surprising there's no takers, because he hasn't been bad thus far in his NFL career.

Raiders first-round picks from 2019-2021:

2019:
DE Clelin Ferrell, RB Josh Jacobs and S Jonathan Abram: 5th-year options declined

2020:
WR Henry Ruggs III & CB Damon Arnette: both waived following off-field incidents

2021:
Alex Leatherwood: Waived after one season

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 30, 2022

Leatherwood is still very young, and if he can spend the next few years improving, there's no reason why he can't be a starting offensive lineman in the NFL one day. Vegas are a team expected to be very good in 2022, but this isn't a great look for the team and their wasted draft picks, but ultimately, Leatherwood just didn't fit anywhere on this team, especially with the amount he was owed being a first round pick, which was considered a huge reach back in 2021 when they made the pick. 

Given the trade market on Leatherwood, it's unlikely he'll find a starting spot anytime soon, but if he can improve and find himself a home, there's potential that he could one day find himself as a valuable piece in the NFL.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports