Luke Easterling gives Chargers their left tackle of the future

Luke Easterling from The Draft Wire became the third publication to release a way-too-early 2021 mock draft. In doing so, he joined Bleacher Report in pairing the Chargers with an offensive tackle in the hypothetical hope of solidifying their left tackle spot for the foreseeable future.

This time, the Bolts were tied to Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood at pick No. 10.

This past season was actually Leatherwood’s first season at left tackle for the Crimson Tide after he spent the 2018 season on the other side of the line at right guard. Following the loss of Jonah Williams to the draft, Leatherwood shifted over and made the transition look easy. In 2019, Leatherwood allowed just a pair of sacks and three quarterback hurries. He was named a First-Team All-SEC selection by the league coaches and a Second-Team member by the Associated Press. (Note: Pro Football Focus credited him with zero sacks allowed.)

In 2018, his first year as a full-time starter, Leatherwood started all 15 games and was named a Second-Team All-SEC pick by the coaches.

At 6’6 and 310 pounds, the Pensacola, Florida, native has the prototypical build for the position and the athleticism to excel in any blocking scheme. He made the right choice to return to Tuscaloosa in order to sure-up his technique and another year should do wonders in solidifying him as a potential first-round pick in 2021.