Over the next four weeks WEEI.com will offer up a total of 28 prospects who could be potential Patriots selections in the 2021 NFL Draft. While the top five projected overall prospects – QB Trevor Lawrence, QB Zach Wilson, WR Ja’Marr Chase, TE Kyle Pitts and OT Penei Sewell – won’t be included, all other players at all positions will be considered potential targets for Bill Belichick and his staff. Today we acknowledge what might be an unpopular pick on the interior offensive line.
Alijah Vera-Tucker
G/T USC
6-4, 308
Resume: Vera-Tucker grew up in multiple households when after his parents divorce at an early age and he added his stepfather’s last name in high school. He has both last names tattooed on his arms. … Was a star at left tackle and defensive line at Bishop O’Dowd High School (Oakland, Calif.), earning All-State and All-American honors. … Chose USC over offers from the likes of Michigan, Oregon, Washington and others. … After a red shirt season and year as a backup guard, Vera-Tucker started 13 games for the Trojans at left guard in 2019 and was named the team’s offensive lineman of the year. … Started six games at left tackle during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. … Originally opted out of 2020 but played the season when the PAC-12 recommitted to fall action. … Took home the Morris Trophy as the top Pac-12 offensive lineman, based on the voting of the conference’s defensive linemen.
Pre-Draft Buzz: Vera-Tucker was a very good guard, but his draft stock has risen greatly with the possibility that some teams see him a tackle option in the NFL after his impressive but limited stint at the spot in 2020. … The Ringer compares Vera-Tucker to Patriots former first-round pick Isaiah Wynn, writing that the versatile big man “may lack the length to play at left tackle in the pros and some teams may view him as a guard.” … Daniel Jeremiah slotted Vera-Tucker to Washington at No. 19 overall in his latest mock draft, saying he “has the versatility to play tackle or guard.” … The Athletic says that Vera-Tucker “projects as an NFL starting guard with a Pro Bowl ceiling and tackle versatility.” … NFL.com’s profile of Vera-Tucker calls him an “ascending wide-body” and that’s a good thing.
Why Vera-Tucker fits the Patriots’ needs: As we’ve said in the past and will continue to say, versatile offensive linemen with less than ideal measurables will always have a home in New England. Maybe Vera-Tucker could go the route of a college left tackle who slides inside to dominate for the Patriots like Logan Mankins or Joe Thuney. Or maybe he could go the Wynn/Matt Light route and defy those who question his length as a left tackle for Belichick. Either way, Vera-Tucker has the athleticism, versatility and somewhat untapped upside that will always be valued at Gillette Stadium. Depending on how the future plays out for Wynn and/or Trent Brown, New England may be in line for a stud lineman to slide into action in the not-too-distant future. It probably wouldn’t be the most popular pick in the first round for fans of Patriot Nation, but Vera-Tucker is a legit first-round prospect worthy of “best available value” consideration.
