Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker have yet to play a single regular season snap next to each other, but hopes surrounding the duo are already astronomically high.
The Jets moved up nine spots in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft to take Vera-Tucker, pairing him with Becton on the left side of the offensive line. The two have enjoyed success playing together in the early days of training camp, prompting Vera-Tucker to acknowledge the duo’s “special” potential after just a few practices.
Bullish on what the two can accomplish working hand-in-hand, Becton has already taken it upon himself to anoint New York’s new dynamic duo with a fitting nickname given its time spent battling in the trenches.
“Right now we’re going to go by smash bros,” Becton recently told SNY’s Jeane Coakley.
The success of Becton and Vera-Tucker’s partnership hinges largely on Becton’s ability to stay healthy and Vera-Tucker’s continued development. Becton dominated at times as a rookie, but he missed ample time with an assortment of injuries. He has also battled weight issues, which could have an impact on his future given his large frame.
Vera-Tucker has a high ceiling in a wide zone-blocking scheme given his athleticism, but it is far too early to project how his career with the Jets plays out. The USC product, like any rookie, is likely to hit a wall or two learning a new position at the highest level of football. Growing pains will occur, making 2021 a year for Vera-Tucker to spend working out the kinks of newfound interior offensive lineman responsibilities.
If Becton and Vera-Tucker both pan out, New York could have one of the most dominant offensive line duos in football on its hands not too long from now. That would reflect very well on Joe Douglas, who has placed an emphasis on beefing up the Jets’ offensive line since taking over as general manager. It would also bode well for Mike LaFleur’s offense.
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