The fourth Alabama player from this year’s NFL Draft has signed a rookie contract.
On Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders made it official with Alex Leatherwood. Jon Gruden selected him with the 17th overall pick in the first round. According to Spotrac, Leatherwood has a four-year deal worth $14.3 million. His fully guaranteed contract comes with a $7.8 million signing bonus and an average salary of $3.5 million. The Crimson Tide alumnus also has a fifth-year option.
Pen to paper 🖊️ pic.twitter.com/d4H0s1McQS
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 24, 2021
Leatherwood, a native of Pensacola, Fla., was one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the draft.
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He excelled at both guard and tackle at Alabama, helping the program to two national championships. His run-blocking and pass protection allowed Najee Harris, Mac Jones, and DeVonta Smith to be Heisman finalists in 2020.
The 6-foot-5, 312-pounder earned the Outland Trophy last season for his efforts at left tackle.
He also shared the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy with his teammate, Landon Dickerson, and was selected First-Team Unanimous All-American.
Leatherwood arrived on campus as a five-star prospect in 2017, and he lived up to his billing.
Now, he will block for Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake for the Raiders.
Leatherwood follows Jaylen Waddle, Patrick Surtain II, and Najee Harris in signing his rookie contract.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
