With the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets draft Alijah Vera-Tucker, interior offensive lineman out of USC. Vera-Tucker is a man built to move bodies in the middle of of the field. He was the consensus top pure interior lineman in the draft, and the Jets saw an opportunity to trade up and great their guy.
Alijah Vera-Tucker Highlights
Alijah Vera-Tucker NFL Draft Profile
Alijah Vera-Tucker
Position: Offensive Guard
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 308 lbs
Age: 21
College: USC Trojans
Alijah Vera-Tucker Draft Profile
Strengths
Alijah Vera-Tucker is extremely versatile, looking like he could thrive at either tackle or guard in the NFL. He is consistent, calculated in his movements and he seemingly knows where everyone is on the field. His awareness is off the charts. Vera-Tucker also has great feet, finishing blocks in the running game.
Weaknesses
Vera-Tucker isn’t a phenomenal athlete by any means, which leads many to believe he would be better suited for guard in the NFL. Playing in the Pac-12, he rarely saw NFL talent across from him. Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux may be the only NFL talent he matched up against, and Vera-Tucker lost that battle.
RELATED | Full Alijah Vera-Tucker NFL Draft Profile, Highlights and Stats
What to Expect From Alijah Vera-Tucker in 2021
It’s a new era for the for the New York Jets. Following a coaching change and a big trade that sent Sam Darnold out of town, this team will look very different. The Jets drafted Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall to lead this offense. Now, they draft Vera-Tucker, an anchor for the offensive line. He will rarely make mistakes and often finish blocks by burying guys. Vera-Tucker is a great pick that will go a long way in keeping Wilson clean from Day 1, and he will be instrumental and helping to establish the run. Now, the Jets just need to find someone capable of running the ball, aside from Tevin Coleman.
