One surprise cut candidate from each NFL team in 2022

Las Vegas Raiders: Alex Leatherwood, OL

The Las Vegas Raiders took Alex Leatherwood early in Round 1 back in the 2021 NFL Draft. Of course, that was when Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock were running things and drafted Alabama and Clemson players regardless of who else was available.

Now with a new coaching staff led by Josh McDaniels, he might no longer have a job.

Leatherwood was widely considered a reach and isn’t slated to be a starter for the Raiders right now. Unless he turns things around, he could be on the outside looking in.

Los Angeles Chargers: Jerry Tillery, DT

The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense wasn’t great in 2021. Their offense was one of the best in the NFL but they struggled to stop opponents from scoring — which is why they went out and made a couple of big additions.

One was the trade for defensive end Khalil Mack, who gives them another disruptive force across from Joey Bosa. They also added cornerback J.C. Jackson in free agency — after he proved to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL for the New England Patriots.

Even with all that being said, the Chargers could end up cutting a defensive player unexpectedly. Jerry Tillery was a first-round pick in 2019 but has yet to live up to expectations. He wasn’t a starter in year one and had just 17 tackles and two sacks.

He did improve his numbers in each of the past two seasons as he became a starter for Los Angeles. Tillery had 30 tackles and three sacks in 2020 and 51 tackles with 4.5 sacks in 2021.

Despite the increase in numbers, Tillery continued to rank low with PFF. Now heading into the 2022 season, he’s not expected to be a starter with Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson ahead of him on the depth chart.

If that remains the case, he could end up being a surprise cut that saves the team close to $1 million this season.