The New York Jets wasted no time making their second selection of the 2021 NFL Draft, trading up from the 23rd overall selection to No. 14 overall, which was occupied by the Minnesota Vikings.
With the 14th pick, the Jets added to their offensive line with the selection of guard Alijah Vera-Tucker out of the University of Southern California.
Named to the Under Armour All-American team as a senior at Bishop O’Dowd High School in his native Oakland, Vera-Tucker arrived at USC (who he chose over offers from Oregon, Cal-Berkeley, Washington and USC’s cross-town rival, UCLA) with much fanfare, but didn’t see much playing time until his red-shirt sophomore season in 2019, when the former four-star recruit settled in as the Trojans’ starting left guard.
Vera-Tucker flourished in that role (second team all-conference) before transitioning to his preferred left tackle, succeeding Dolphins first rounder Austin Jackson on Kedon Slovis’ blind side the following year.
Vera-Tucker initially opted out of last season, but reversed course when the Pac-12 decided to stage an abbreviated 2020 campaign, a 180 from the conference’s previous stance on playing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Measurables: 6-foot-4/308 pounds
School: USC
Accolades: Morris Trophy (2020), First team All-Pac-12 (2020), Second team All-Pac 12 (2019)
Strengths: The biggest thing Vera-Tucker has going for him is his versatility, boasting extensive experience at both guard and tackle. That flexibility should serve him well in the NFL. Vera-Tucker acclimated nicely to playing outside, benefiting from sound technique and above-average lateral quickness for a player tipping the scales at over 300 pounds. A heady pass-protector with impressive balance for his position, Vera-Tucker offers a mauler’s mentality, torpedoing his way to the second level with brute force, using his elite upper-body strength to fend off any and all threats. A vocal player who can stop on a dime, Vera-Tucker changes direction well and is also a strong communicator, effectively relaying information to his teammates on the offensive line.
Weaknesses: Vera-Tucker will be caught flat-footed at times, suffering occasional bouts of indecisiveness. The 21-year-old is pushing to play tackle in the pros, though most scouts would agree he’s better suited on the interior. Critics have cited Vera-Tucker’s inconsistent hand placement as an area in need of refinement while also flagging his arm length, measuring in only the third percentile at his position (32 1/8”), as another potential shortcoming, particularly if the team he’s drafted by plans on employing him at tackle rather than guard.
NFL comparison: Joe Thuney
Like Thuney (whose measurables are near-identical to AVT’s), Vera-Tucker is a versatile, high-IQ player capable of playing anywhere on the offensive line.
What experts are saying
“He’s a nasty player. He plays with a violent streak. I think he’s going to be one of those guys you plug and play for the next decade.” – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
“Athletically, there’s nothing he can’t do. He’s got a phenomenal body … The big question is whether he can play left tackle in the NFL.” – Chris Simms, NBC Sports
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