PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – This is one in a series of potential Steelers first round picks based on national and local experts.
Alijah Vera-Tucker-OT/G (6'4", 300 pounds, R-Jr, USC)
BIO-Named the winner of the 2020 Morris Trophy (best PAC-12 offensive or defensive lineman) as selected by peers. The last USC lineman to win this award is long-time NFL tackle Matt Kalil.
Moved from guard to left tackle and was a co-captain for the 6 games of the Trojans 2020 season. Started at left guard in 2019 (Pro Football Focus named him third team All-America). He was mostly a back-up right guard in 2018.
Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline's take
"I like him more at guard. He initially opted out of the season and then when the PAC 12 decided to go. He went back to school. It's really benefitted him. He's gone from a guy who was maybe early day 3 to top 45. He uses his blocking angles well. He's got decent football. My concern with him is that he's not a very tall guy. If you want your left tackle or right tackle to be 6'4" or taller, he's not you type of lineman. I still have my concerns about him at left tackle, I like him better as a zone blocking guard.
MOCK PROJECTIONS
-CBS Sports Ryan Wilson—11th to Giants
-CBS Sports Chris Trapasso—20th to Chicago
-CBS Sports Josh Edwards—16th to Arizona
-CBS Sports Pete Prisco—21st to Indianapolis
-Sporting News—14th to Minnesota
-Pro Football Newtwork—21st to Chargers (in projected trade)
-NFL Network Charley Casserly—17th to Las Vegas
-NFL Network Chad Reuter—24th to Steelers
