Mitchell Schwartz All-Pro: Analyzing Alex Leatherwood's Technical Flaws on the Field

As a four-time All-Pro right tackle, Mitchell Schwartz has spent his fair share of time studying and analyzing the techniques of other linemen. Recently, he took a closer look at Alex Leatherwood's one-on-one reps against the Dolphins, highlighting some key areas where the young player needs to improve.

One issue that stood out was Leatherwood's tendency to play too far under the defensive end, allowing him to get beat inside and lose his edge. This is often due to Leatherwood not understanding his position relative to the quarterback and where he should be on the field. As a result, he finds himself in situations where he's forced to make late recoveries and lunge at the end.

Another issue Schwartz identified was Leatherwood's lack of depth when setting up against the defensive end. Instead of stepping out and establishing a wide base, Leatherwood tends to stay closer to the guard and focuses on punching the defensive tackle with his inside hand. This leaves him vulnerable to being beat by an inside move.

Schwartz also noticed that Leatherwood seems to be taught to 'drag on' three-technique defensive tackles, holding his left arm out to keep space in the B gap and help the right guard. While this might be effective in certain situations, it's not a reliable technique for consistently winning one-on-one battles.

The lack of depth and overemphasis on inside hand punches are just two examples of the technical flaws that have plagued Leatherwood throughout his career. His performance in the preseason against the Dolphins was particularly concerning, as he gave up a sack early in the second quarter and was eventually benched.

Despite his struggles, the Raiders' new regime has given Leatherwood another chance to prove himself at right tackle. However, it's clear that he needs to work on refining his technique if he wants to become a reliable starter in the NFL. With Schwartz's guidance, there's hope that Leatherwood can overcome his flaws and become a dominant force on the line.

Ultimately, the key to success for Leatherwood will be developing a more well-rounded game that allows him to adapt to different defensive schemes and opponents. By working on his technique and understanding his position on the field, he can reduce the number of mistakes he makes and become a more effective blocker. With time and practice, it's possible that Leatherwood can reach his full potential and become a top-tier right tackle in the league.

Mitchell schwartz all pro