The Chicago Bears bolstered their offensive line with the addition of Alex Leatherwood, who was claimed off of waivers on Wednesday.
Leatherwood, a first-round draft pick in 2021, was a surprise cut for the Las Vegas Raiders, and general manager Ryan Poles didn’t hesitate to claim another young offensive lineman with potential.
While Leatherwood (No. 72) is listed as a guard/tackle on the Bears’ official roster, he told reporters that he worked at right tackle during his first practice on Thursday, per The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain.
Poles said Leatherwood “has the ability to play multiple positions” across the offensive line.
“Wherever he settles in, that’s what we’ll do,” Poles said. “I trust the coaches to have a process for that.”
Alex Leatherwood practicing for the first time with the #Bears, wearing No. 72. pic.twitter.com/7FDWlswk5p
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) September 1, 2022
There’s a chance Leatherwood could rotate between right tackle and right guard this week as Chicago looks to find his best fit. But when asked if right tackle is where he’d like to line up, Leatherwood said he’s “open to anything.”
The Bears appear to have their starting offensive line set with Braxton Jones (LT), Cody Whitehair (LG), Lucas Patrick (C), Teven Jenkins (RG) and Larry Borom (RT). But that doesn’t mean that’s what the starting combination will look like by season’s end.
The good thing about Leatherwood’s addition is the situation doesn’t force him into a starting role immediately. But the hope is Leatherwood, who still has three years on his rookie deal, develops into a starter on the offensive line.
