2021 NFL Draft: One legend that each first round draft pick reminds us of

NFL Draft 2021: Las Vegas Raiders pick Alex Leatherwood, compares to Kevin Mawae

It isn’t always about brute strength when it comes to being an offensive lineman. Things such as technique and small veteran tricks have always helped most of the all-time greats get by. However, when it came to Kevin Mawae it was the exact opposite.

On countless occasions, defensive linemen attempted to simply bully the multiple-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer. That, of course, didn’t work as he was simply too strong to be bullied on the inside. The way in which he handled the opposition is eerily similar to former Alabama star, Alex Leatherwood.

Not only did the pair share a similar mindset in terms of simply overpowering the man standing across from you, but they were also patient. Leatherwood waited for pass rushers to commit and come to him before making his next move, much like Mawae. It wasn’t simply the pass blocking skills where Mawae and Leatherwood shined but it was also in the running game. Mawae pulled in defenders then shoved them back, creating huge gaping holes for runners to do their work.

With the amount of success he saw with his technique, it’s as though Leatherwood has gone to the tape to copy it. Although the pick may have come as a shock to some, if Leatherwood continues on his current trajectory, he’ll meet Mawae in the Hall of Fame one day.