Every year before the draft, fans, analysts, and everyone in between come up with a list of “consensus” first round players and every year those same people are baffled when someone who isn’t on said list gets taken in the first round. So I am going to go over two players who I was shocked went on day one.
Round 1 Pick 17: OT Alex Leatherwood, Las Vegas Raiders
What…
I don’t think I’m alone here when I say I didn’t see this coming. I like Leatherwood, don’t get me wrong, but I like him mid to late second round. Alex got rag dolled at the Senior Bowl and his weaknesses were exposed. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden are known for making questionable picks with their first rounders, as evidenced by Clelin Ferrell and Damon Arnette in previous years, Leatherwood fits this stereotype. I think Leatherwood could be a little above average, but I just don’t think he has the high ceiling or the high floor that warrants a top-20 pick.
Round 1 Pick 31: OLB Odafe Oweh, Baltimore Ravens
I just can’t wrap my mind around drafting a player with no sacks in 2020 in the first round. He is an absolute athletic marvel and no one can deny that, but a ceiling that high with little to no production warrants a second-round pick max. Most people might not view this as a reach but Oweh needs a good 2-3 years to be in a backup role while developing and the Ravens are ready to thrust him into a starting role from day one.
Honorable Mention: RB Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars