New Bears offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood was at Halas Hall for his first day of practice with the Bears today. While he’s listed as guard/tackle on the Bears’ official roster and spent his rookie season with the Raiders at right guard, the Bears had him working out at right tackle today.
With the Bears starting offensive line appearing to be set with Braxton Jones (LT), Cody Whitehair (LG), Lucas Patrick (C), Teven Jenkins (RG) and Larry Borom (RT), Leatherwood will likely see practice snaps at multiple positions and join veteran Riley Rieff as a swing guy during the season.
Ryan Poles said today that Leatherwood’s natural talent and prototypical size, and movements for an offensive lineman, coupled with the tools in place at Halas Hall in the player development area, make him believe they can help the former Alabama star reach his once lofty potential.
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.”
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.”