5 prospects in play if the Vikings trade down in the first round
By Nik Edlund
Alex Leatherwood – OL (Alabama)
The Minnesota Vikings have to get an upgrade at guard in this year’s draft and depending on what they do with Riley Reiff, may be in the market for a tackle as well. One player who could fill needs at both of those positions is Alabama’s, Alex Leatherwood.
Leatherwood is a big beefy blocker who stands 6-foot-5 and 312 pounds. He has great strength and can easily move defenders out of the hole creating huge lanes for the running back. Leatherwood is a very tenacious blocker who consistently attacks his man. His versatility may be his biggest attribute, as his ability to play guard or tackle will make him extra attractive to teams.
Leatherwood would make a ton of sense for the Vikings. If they bring back Riley Reiff for one last year, they could play him at left guard in year one. The following season, they could have an open competition between Cleveland and Leatherwood for the left tackle job and let the best man win. The loser of the job can go back to playing guard and either way the line would be in better shape than it was in 2020.
Leatherwood is a player who is projected to come off the board in the late first-round or early second. If the Vikings move down that far, they will likely be getting a future first-rounder in the process or perhaps they move down multiple times.
Whatever the case, Leatherwood would fill a big hole on the offensive line, giving the Minnesota Vikings an instant starter at guard and a solid backup at left tackle.