Former first-rounder's debut gives Bears hope for weak offensive line

Alex Leatherwood played well against the Packers in his Bears debut on Sunday. Now the former first-round pick has an opportunity to seize a starting spot on the offensive line.

The Bears claimed Leatherwood off waivers from Las Vegas in August. The Raiders drafted him 17th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he struggled in his first season in the desert and was a surprise roster cut before the season.

In his only season in Las Vegas, Leatherwood was flagged seven times for holding and seven false starts.

Leatherwood contracted mononucleosis in September, delaying his Chicago debut. He was placed on injured reserve and lost 25 pounds before making a full recovery.

In his first game for the Bears, Leatherwood played only 10 snaps. Seven of those plays were passes. Per Pro Football Focus, he did not allow a quarterback pressure. 

“Overall, really nice performance by him," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said, per NBC Sports Chicago. "It doesn’t surprise us. We were anxious to get him in there and see how he would do."

Leatherwood has a chance to solidify a spot for himself on a young and rebuilding offense. 

Braxton Jones, a rookie fifth-round pick, and Riley Reiff, a 34-year-old veteran, started at tackle against the Packers. None of the Bears' offensive linemen are guaranteed to retain their starting spots after this disappointing season.

The Bears have allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL with 42 through 13 games.

If he stacks good performances, Leatherwood could establish himself as an important part of QB Justin Fields’ protection unit in 2022 and beyond.