2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Alex Leatherwood, 2021 NFL mock draft (Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) /

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders make predictable surprise at No. 17

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama

Someone still needs to explain to me what in the world Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have been doing with the Las Vegas Raiders roster this offseason. They tore down a decisive strength of their team, the offensive line, to make investments on defense. But that now leaves them in a tough spot protecting Derek Carr and blocking for Josh Jacobs.

There are offensive linemen on the board right now that I would love in Las Vegas. Alijah Vera-Tucker is tremendously talented and has positional versatility. Liam Eichenberg is someone I’m higher on than most. Teven Jenkins is a hard-nosed power blocker who might fit the bill.

But if there’s one thing that we know about the Raiders under this current regime, it’s that they are going to value players from Alabama and Clemson, for better or worse. So with Alex Leatherwood on the board, I can’t shake the thought that they shock everyone and take him at No. 17.

To be clear, I’m a fan of Leatherwood. He’s limited in comparison to some of his peers and may be better suited at guard than tackle due to his limitations as an athelte. But his mentality, leadership and power are obvious. And you can’t convince me that Gruden and Mayock don’t see that and swoon.

Who I Would Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker

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