Did the Chicago Bears have insider intel on Alex Leatherwood?
Does Ryan Poles know something about Alex Leatherwood that others don’t?
According to Ian Rapaport, the Chicago Bears were the only team to put a claim in on Alex Leatherwood. What does Ryan Poles know about Alex Leatherwood that other teams don’t?
A few notes:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2022
— The #Bears were the only team to put a claim in on Alex Leatherwood.
— Ex-#Jets TE Trevon Wesco was the most popular, as four teams (#Browns, #Colts, #Bengals, #Bears) tried to claim him. He landed in Chicago. https://t.co/WJ7xzAdrLc
Side note: the Bears also got Trevon Wesco who was claimed by three other teams.
The answer to the Ryan Poles question is honestly, probably nothing. The Chicago Bears are just in a position where they need an influx of offensive line talent and Leatherwood fits the lengthy, athletic mold that Poles covets in his linemen. The offensive scheme should also help Leatherwood, although, I don’t expect him to start in 2022 unless an injury or two occurs.
I just find it interesting that only the Chicago Bears put a claim in on Leatherwood. The tape last year was that bad. Outside of youth and upside, what does Leatherwood bring that Michael Schofield doesn’t? Versatility maybe? It will be interesting to see where the Bears view Leatherwood. He is clearly a raw player who needs some time to develop, but can he develop into anything worthwhile?
When it comes to a process like this, teams typically turn to others and go back to their original draft analysis. The Bears have a couple of coaches with ties to the Raiders’ staff last year — including Austin King who is the Bears’ assistant offensive line coach. Obviously, there are more than a few reasons why Poles felt comfortable bringing Leatherwood in. Even with the inside track, I doubt they know more than every other team in the NFL.
Cutting a first-round player after one season is very unheard of, and Ryan Poles made the right decision here in taking a shot on a 23-year-old Leatherwood. The Raiders are paying more than half of Leatherwood’s rookie deal and even if he doesn’t pan out, “no harm, no foul” for Poles and the Chicago Bears. This move doesn’t make Poles a genius, but it was easily the smart decision.