5 prospects SF 49ers should avoid in Round 1 of 2021 NFL Draft

No. 2: Offensive Tackle Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

The SF 49ers could be facing something of a crisis this offseason depending on what happens with perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, who is poised to become an awfully expensive commodity in NFL free agency.

If re-signed, the outside of the Niners offensive line isn’t too big a worry in the draft. At least not early. But if Williams departs, suddenly there’s a real chance San Francisco would have to use its first-round pick to find Williams’ replacement.

The good news is the 2021 draft class is deep with offensive linemen, and there should be plenty of likable targets between Rounds 1 and 4.

But if the SF 49ers are eyeing Alabama offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood, they should think twice.

At 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, Leatherwood earned his stock at left tackle for the Crimson Tide as a great run blocker. Yet he has some issues against more-refined pass-rushers, and one shouldn’t assume those would improve at the pro level too much. The lateral movement isn’t quite there either, and there’s a good chance Leatherwood’s success in the NFL will be best reached inside at guard instead of tackle.

While the Niners could seek upgrades for the O-line’s interior, too, Leatherwood doesn’t quite fit the bill as someone they’d need to use a first-round pick on.