Don't Look Now, But Alex Leatherwood Seems To Be Improving

One of the most curious decisions the Chicago Bears made last year was when they claimed Alex Leatherwood off waivers. The former 1st round pick from Alabama had a rough rookie season for the Las Vegas Raiders. Upon the arrival of new head coach Josh McDaniels, he quickly fell out of favor and was cut. GM Ryan Poles felt the physical tools Leatherwood possessed could be salvaged. All he needed was another opportunity and the right environment to bring it out of him. The team had faith in offensive line coach Chris Morgan.

His 2022 season was a mixed bag. Leatherwood had some decent moments, but it was clear he still carried many of the same bad habits that haunted him in Las Vegas. It was hard to know how the following off-season would go, especially with the team making several investments along the offensive line. Surprisingly, it appears Leatherwood has stepped up. The 24-year-old has been one of their most consistent performers through two preseason games. In 49 pass-blocking snaps, he's allowed only one quarterback pressure. The craziest part is that 21 of those blocks were one-on-one, meaning he had no help. He allowed zero pressure in that situation.

Leatherwood was a big part of the Bears' impressive 92-yard touchdown drive on Saturday night in Indianapolis.

Alex Leatherwood has been helped by clarity.

One of the primary issues that haunted him over the past two years was the lack of a true position. The Raiders moved him all over the place as a rookie, trying to find one that might click. Chicago did some of that last year too. Going into this summer, Morgan appears to have made a decision. Leatherwood would be a left guard. That was his position. There was no changing it. The lineman seems to have benefitted from that decision, showing far more comfort than he has for most of his career.

Make no mistake. Alex Leatherwood isn't in a place to unseat Teven Jenkins. However, his progress is the most encouraging part. Offensive line experts said Leatherwood would require patience before unlocking the massive potential he showed at Alabama. The Bears seem to be demonstrating that patience. Their approach to him has never changed. That stability, more than anything, has made a difference. It will be interesting to see if the Bears keep him as a backup alongside Ja'Tyre Carter and Lucas Patrick.