2021 NFL Mock Draft, 3 Rounds: Chiefs bolster O-line after Super Bowl loss
By Randy Gurzi
Pick Analysis. OT. Alabama. Alex Leatherwood. 25. player. Scouting Report. 52
(Pick via Los Angeles Rams): For the second season in a row, the Jacksonville Jaguars have two picks in the first round. Last season, they spent each of those selections on the defensive side of the ball as they added Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson and LSU edge K’Lavon Chaisson. Now, they focus on offense with their two picks in this round.
They opened the draft up by taking the top player — and their new face of the franchise — Trevor Lawrence. As good as the Clemson quarterback is, he can’t succeed if the pass rush is allowed to have their way with him. That’s why the Jags use this pick acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in the Jalen Ramsey trade on Alex Leatherwood.
Leatherwood is built to play offensive tackle at 6-foot-5 and 312-pounds and he’s spent time at both guard and tackle for the Crimson Tide. Where he really stood out was at tackle as he handled the blindside this past season for Mac Jones.
There will be those who think he should kick inside but Leatherwood should get a shot to play tackle and his ability to hold up against the best players in the SEC means he should be fine in the NFL. He would also be the best option Jacksonville has at the position.