Bears Activate Former First-Round Draft Pick

The Chicago Bears offence has been one of the worst in the NFL through the early parts of 2022, and while they still have one of the weakest wide receiver groups in the NFL, they've made a solid move today that could help this offensive line going forward. A few months ago, the team made a move to pick up former first-round draft pick Alex Leatherwood off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders, and today, they've elevated him to the active roster, meaning he may start in their Week 8 clash with the Dallas Cowboys.

The #Bears have activated former #Raiders first-round OL Alex Leatherwood from Reserve/Non-Football Illness. He should play this week.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2022

Leatherwood was originally drafted No. 17 overall by Las Vegas back in 2021 after winning two National Championships with Alabama, and after starting all 17 games for the Raiders in his rookie season, they made the strange decision to release him just before the 2022 season began. Sure, he was drafted way too high for what he was, and the expectations being so high may have been the thing that hurt his career, but he showed throughout his rookie year that he's a solid starter, and could contribute to any team.

It's unlikely that he'll ever get to a Pro Bowl level, but he was a solid pickup for the Bears, and if he can maintain a starting role with this team into the 2023 season, it will be one less hole for Chicago to fill, and that's always good news.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports