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Hello StormCloud! Chargers Talk 4630 is back with another Live Stream recording. This went Live just over an hour ago today, and the main focus was what Stacey Mallory though of the Alex Leatherwood signing. Here's a quick write-up on Stacey's thoughts, as well as the embedded video below, featuring an appearance from co-host Garrett Elsasser all the way from Iceland.
Here are Stacey's thoughts on the Leatherwood signing:
The Chargers have signed former Raiders Tackle Alex Leatherwood who was drafted with the 17th pick in the first round of the 2021 draft.
Out of all the signings the Chargers have made this of season, this is the first one that made me pause. I’ve rushed quick to study highlights and see what’s to like about Leatherwood. To be honest, he reminds me a lot of DJ. Fluker who was an absolute Stud with Alabama and drafted by the Chargers in 2013. And it ended up being a big swing and a miss, cause speed rushers ran around Fluker as of his his feet was stuck in cement.
I know Leatherwood has played a lot of football with Alabama, but most scouts believed Alex Leatherwood had the talent to play in the NFL, but saw him going as a late 2nd or high 3rd round pick. He had some really good games with Alabama, but his stock started to drop after having a bad combine where he lost a lot of his one on one matchups and was not that impressive. That didn’t stop the Raiders from drafting him 17th overall.
All the studying I saw on film, showed he struggled bad at LT & RT. But what I saw from watching his play as a Guard was impressive. Remember when I said he reminded me of Tackle DJ Fluker? In Fluker’s time in the NFL he was lost at the Tackle position, but when it came to running schemes, he was a man amongst boys. And I see the same skillset from Alex Leatherwood.
Leatherwood is really good at run-blocking schemes. At 6-6 315 pounds he’s physical and tough with good effort in the run game. He finishes plays well and has a nasty temperament. He has good agility, technique, and size as a Guard. As far as I’m concerned there’s nothing to like as a Tackle. I see this as Jim Harbaugh loading every position for players to compete to bring out the best in everyone that wants to make this team. Or maybe just another body to get through Camp.
For more on this signing tune into Chargers Talk 4630 on YouTube and X for more details.
I said earlier in the other thread about this signing that I thought it was about creating competition & let the best guy win, regardless of previous status. I still think that....but I also think it serves as a shot across a few bows, one being Pipkins'.
@buck-melanoma And we'll allow it 
He also seems like a solid guy to throw into a heavy 6 OL set when we're already showing our hand that a runs coming. Some of those run blocking reps looked sweet.
I can’t wait to see what this offense will look like with a rising star in Justin Herbert. That’s what guys I talk to about the team say there afraid of. I think Harbaugh is not about fancy stats, he’s about winning.
@chargerman463 Yessir! I can't wait to see a capable offense pick up yards on the ground and through creative play design, and then let Herbert come in as an assassin on clutch plays. There's so much talk about this suddenly becoming a run-heavy offense, but even if we're just an average rushing offense, I'd expect Herberts efficiency (and offensive efficiency) to skyrocket.
That is true. Harbaugh likes to get them blue collar guys that are not great players but will work their tails off every opportunity they get. It definitely adds depth but like you said, could also be a sign that someone that thought they was a lock can be out if they don’t step up there game.
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