Can someone please explain something to me? Alex Leatherwood is a first team All American. He won the Outland trophy for best tackle. He has played outstanding all year and is an anchor for the best OL in the nation. But he's projected in the mid to late 2nd round. I don't understand this. I have seen the scouting reports on him and read about all his shortcomings, but why is he such a decorated player if he's not that good? It's like a Green Beret who wins the DSC, the Silver Star, and the Medal of Honor, and then some general says I don't want that guy in my squad. Really?
He is very good and I don't think he's fallen as much as a lot of these mock drafts indicate. But, college awards winners are not always a good indicator of NFL ability. You'll remember Barrett Jones won nearly every award imaginable, and he went 4th round, and I don't think ever started an NFL game unless it was a fill in for injury. But, I still bet Leatherwood goes higher than many are suggesting. Someone I respect immensely when it comes to the draft recently said he thought Alex would be the 2nd offensive tackle (4th OL) off the board.