Tag: Alijah Vera-Tucker

Cardinals land O-line, pass-rush help in new 2-round Draft Wire mock draft

Draft Wire has a new two-round mock draft now that the Super Bowl is over.

The NFL season is officially over and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are Super Bowl champions. Now that it is officially the offseason and, more specifically, draft season for everyone, Draft Wire managing editor Luke Easterling has a new mock draft. This one goes two rounds.

The Arizona Cardinals, who pick 16th in the first round and 17th in the second round, land help on the offensive line and off the defensive edge.

In the first round, they select USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Vera-Tucker has size and athleticism and would fill a need at guard now and moving forward,. While the Cardinals have Justin Pugh and Justin Murray slated to start next season at the two guard positions.

Sam Dehring wrote this about him in a recent draft profile.

He is productive as a run and pass blocker. As a run blocker, Tucker has a nice burst of speed of the ball as a pulling guard that uses his hands efficiently to win those one-on-one matchups. As a pass blocker, he has elite technique that keeps a steady balance throughout plays. He recorded an 88.6 pass blocking grade in 2019 with no sacks or QB hits, according to Pro Football Focus.

In the second round, the Cardinals select Georgia EDGE Azeez Ojulari.

He is 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds and increased in production each of his three seasons he played for the Bulldogs.

After playing only two games as a freshman, he had 5.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in 2019. Then, in 2020, he had 9.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles.

The Cardinals have uncertainty at outside linebacker, where Ojulari would play. Chandler Jones is coming off a torn biceps, Dennis Gardeck is coming off an ACL tear and both Haason Reddick and Markus Golden are set to be unrestricted free agents.

These two picks would give the Cardinals players at positions of need. In terms of mock drafts, it is what you hope to see the team do.

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Vikings draft OT Alijah Vera-Tucker in NFL.com mock draft

The Vikings pass on a pretty talented quarterback in this mock draft.

The Vikings need some help on both the offensive and defensive line heading into the 2021 season.

In his first mock draft over at NFL.com, Lance Zierlein has the Vikings addressing the offensive line, drafting USC tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker with the 14th overall pick.

Here’s what Zierlein wrote about the pick:

One of the most surprising developments from the 2020 college season was Vera-Tucker’s play at left tackle after transitioning from guard. Needless to say, he’ll offer guard/tackle flexibility at the next level and would be an instant upgrade on the Vikings’ O-line.

For those wondering, Zierlein has only three quarterbacks going before the Vikings. He has Justin Fields being drafted 15th, a spot after the Vikings, to the Patriots.

I’d love to hop on Vikings Twitter to take the temperature on fans if that were to happen.

New Draft Wire mock draft has Cardinals going O-line in the first round

They land an interior lineman in USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker with the 16th overall pick in the draft.

The Arizona Cardinals have many offseason needs to fill this year. Some would argue that, while they have players in line to start at the interior offensive line positions, they could use an upgrade over Justin Pugh, Mason Cole or Justin Murray.

It is for this reason that the latest mock draft from Draft Wire managing editor Luke Easterling has the Cardinals going with a guard in the first round of the 2021 draft.

With the 16th pick in the draft, Easterling has them selecting USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.

If you’re a team with a young franchise quarterback, every pick should be tailored toward that passer’s success. For the Cardinals, that means bolstering the offensive line to make sure Kyler Murray doesn’t have to run for his life on every pass attempt. Vera-Tucker is a polished prospect who can step in at multiple positions from Day 1.

The question would be whether the Cardinals would insert Vera-Tucker immediately into the starting lineup. The only lineman they have done that with over the last several years has been Mason Cole, who started out of necessity when A.Q. Shipley tore his ACL in training camp.

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If he could start in 2021, it would be a great pick and it does make sense moving forward. However, with some of the players available drafted after the 16th pick in this mock draft, they could also have an immediate and long-term impact. Alabama RB Najee’ Harris comes to mind.

A pass rusher, cornerback, receiver or running back would seem to be the targets for now if they want to have someone to start now and down the line.

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Vikings take USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker in Mel Kiper’s 2021 mock draft

The Minnesota Vikings went for an offensive lineman in Mel Kiper’s latest ESPN mock draft: USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker.

The Vikings saw some new players fill in on the offensive line in 2020. With mixed results for that position group, it wouldn’t be absurd for Minnesota to use its No. 14 pick on an offensive lineman.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicted that’s what Minnesota will do. In his 2021 mock draft, Kiper tabbed the Vikings to take Alijah Vera-Tucker, an offensive lineman out of USC. Vera-Tucker could project as either a tackle or guard. Here’s what Kiper said about the pick:

“Speaking of rising prospects, Vera-Tucker has scouts around the league buzzing after a tremendous season. He moved from guard to left tackle and dominated for the Trojans. At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, he could play either position at the next level. The Vikings must solidify their offensive line around Kirk Cousins, even after spending second-round picks on Ezra Cleveland (2020) and Brian O’Neill (2018) in recent years, and Vera-Tucker could be the long-term answer on the left side of the line. Cousins plays best when his running game is humming, and Vera-Tucker is a great run blocker.”

His ability fits what Minnesota wants to do on offense. There’s a case to be made that the Vikings should pass more in 2021, but they’ll still have to run the ball to control a game. Vera-Tucker would help with that.

Chargers get protection for QB Justin Herbert in Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft

The Los Angeles Chargers select a player from their backyard.

With the offseason in full gear this means that mock draft season is as well. We’ve seen a handful of draft projections over the past couple of months, but for the first time we got to see NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah first mock draft, which was released on Friday.

Jeremiah addresses a position of need by mocking former USC offensive tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker to the Chargers with the No. 13 overall selection.

Vera-Tucker is one of the cleanest players in the draft. He’s played at a high level at both guard and tackle. The Chargers must address the offensive line this offseason.

Knowing that tackle Sam Tevi and guard Forrest Lamp might not be back creates two potential holes on the left side. So, why not draft a lineman that’s capable of manning both the edge and along the interior? That’s why the selection of Vera-Tucker makes a ton of sense.

Vera-Tucker needs to improve his hand tactics to better sustain the point of attack, but he comes with highly impressive athleticism and movement skills to match pass rushers.

Vera-Tucker entered the 2020 season as one of the top guards, but he helped his stock after proving himself as one of the best blindside blockers. The Morris Trophy winner profiles as a starting guard in Year 1, but he has the athleticism and movement skills to start at tackle in the NFL.

Chargers 2021 NFL Draft Target: USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, a potential draft target, under the microscope.

Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Vitals

Height | 6-4

Weight | 315

College Bio Page

One-Liner

Vera-Tucker needs to improve his hand tactics to better sustain the point of attack, but he comes with highly impressive athleticism and movement skills to match, projecting as an NFL starter — has experience outside at tackle, but his natural NFL position might be inside at guard.

Highlights

Strengths

Impressive frame with essential body thickness.

Very quick moving backwards and keeps up with most pass rushers off the edge while maintaining great technique.

Balanced feet, both in space and when locked up. Flexible lower body to drop and roll his hips at contact. Consistent knee bend in pass protection. Quick to recover after a jab to his chest.

Core strength to anchor at shallow depth. Powerful hands to punch, reload and fire again.

Clean puller to seal or stick defenders in space. Flips his hips with smooth footwork and builds momentum down the line.

Never content, staying busy with active eyes to identify stunts/slants.

Demonstrated versatility at USC by playing guard and tackle at a high level.

2020 Morris Trophy — Best offensive and defensive lineman in the Pac-12.

2020 First-Team All-Pac-12 (Pac-12 and Pro Football Focus).

Weaknesses

Active hands, but placement lacks refinement, often landing outside his target.

Can get head start protecting the edge, setting too aggressive outside and late protecting inside moves.

Reliable square blocker, but can struggle with speed at times.

Chargers Fit

Vera-Tucker is an ideal fit for the Chargers’ zone-blocking scheme, either at tackle or guard. He comes in with the ability to do anything Los Angeles could ask of him: pulls, reach blocks, screens. He is a major improvement over Sam Tevi and Forrest Lamp in pass protection and should provide an upgrade in the running game. Inside at guard, where he would likely start in his rookie season, he’s proven that’s he’s plenty strong to anchor against more powerful defensive linemen and can handle athletic defenders, as well. He has demonstrated that he can be called upon as a starting blindside protector, too.

Chargers 2021 NFL Draft Target: USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, a potential draft target, under the microscope.

Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Vitals

Height | 6-4

Weight | 315

College Bio Page

One-Liner

Vera-Tucker needs to improve his hand tactics to better sustain the point of attack, but he comes with highly impressive athleticism and movement skills to match, projecting as an NFL starter — has experience outside at tackle, but his natural NFL position might be inside at guard.

Highlights

Strengths

Impressive frame with essential body thickness.

Very quick moving backwards and keeps up with most pass rushers off the edge while maintaining great technique.

Balanced feet, both in space and when locked up. Flexible lower body to drop and roll his hips at contact. Consistent knee bend in pass protection. Quick to recover after a jab to his chest.

Core strength to anchor at shallow depth. Powerful hands to punch, reload and fire again.

Clean puller to seal or stick defenders in space. Flips his hips with smooth footwork and builds momentum down the line.

Never content, staying busy with active eyes to identify stunts/slants.

Demonstrated versatility at USC by playing guard and tackle at a high level.

2020 Morris Trophy — Best offensive and defensive lineman in the Pac-12.

2020 First-Team All-Pac-12 (Pac-12 and Pro Football Focus).

Weaknesses

Active hands, but placement lacks refinement, often landing outside his target.

Can get head start protecting the edge, setting too aggressive outside and late protecting inside moves.

Reliable square blocker, but can struggle with speed at times.

Chargers Fit

Vera-Tucker is an ideal fit for the Chargers’ zone-blocking scheme, either at tackle or guard. He comes in with the ability to do anything Los Angeles could ask of him: pulls, reach blocks, screens. He is a major improvement over Sam Tevi and Forrest Lamp in pass protection and should provide an upgrade in the running game. Inside at guard, where he would likely start in his rookie season, he’s proven that’s he’s plenty strong to anchor against more powerful defensive linemen and can handle athletic defenders, as well. He has demonstrated that he can be called upon as a starting blindside protector, too.

Giants select OT Alijah Vera-Tucker in latest CBS Sports mock draft

The New York Giants select USC offensive tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker in Round 1 of the latest mock draft courtesy of CBS Sports.

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New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has placed an emphasis on improving the team’s “hog mollies” under his guidance, but after three years, Big Blue still has issues across their offensive line.

While first-round pick Andrew Thomas appears to be a stalwart at left tackle after a rough start to his career, things are less certain at right tackle.

Veteran Cam Fleming, an impending unrestricted free agent, took the majority of snaps at right tackle this season, but was frequently spelled by rookie Matt Peart over the final half of the season.

The Giants are confident in Peart and view him as a potential long-term answer, but that did not stop Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports from mocking a new offensive tackle to the Giants in Round 1 of his most recent 2021 NFL mock draft.

Round 1, pick 11: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

The Giants need pass rush help, but bolstering the offensive line may take priority. Andrew Thomas got better as the year progressed, but Vera-Tucker proved in 2020 that he can play either guard or tackle and excelled while doing it.

Given the Giants’ needs at other positions, it would be shocking to see them take another offensive tackle in Round 1 come April. However, if they view Vera-Tucker as a guard, it’s possible (but still unlikely) they take the plunge and use him to potentially replace veteran Kevin Zeitler at right guard.

If they view Vera-Tucker as a tackle however, there’s little chance they spend the draft capital to select him — especially when considering veteran Nate Solder is expected to return next season after opting out of 2020 due to COVID-19.

How would you feel about Vera-Tucker, Giants fans? A celebration or a remote toss?

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USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for 2021 NFL draft

USC offensive line prospect Alijah Vera-Tucker is leaving school early to enter the 2021 NFL draft

One of the nation’s top offensive line prospects has announced that he’s leaving school for the next level.

USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker announced via the program’s social media Monday evening that he is declaring for the 2021 NFL draft.

Listed at 6-4, 300 pounds, Vera-Tucker has experience playing both guard and tackle. He mainly served as the team’s left tackle in 2020, but is projected to play as a guard at the next level. He’s an excellent athlete for the position that does his best work in the run game. He’s a big, strong offensive linemen that understands the fine nuances of the position.

Vera-Tucker will get first-round consideration in the draft.

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Early Cardinals 2021 NFL Draft profile: Alijah Vera-Tucker

Looking ahead to the 2021 NFL Draft, there are a few players that the Cardinals could grab in the first three rounds to help their run game

As Week 5 of the NFL gets underway, the Arizona Cardinals are coming off a two consecutive losses to teams many felt were inferior. The offense recorded just 109 yard on the ground against the most complete team Lions head coach Matt Patricia has ever had in his coaching tenure in Detroit, while the Cardinals running backs mustered only 51 rushing yards in Carolina. As the Cardinals pass blocking has taken a decent step to improvement, their run blocking still needs to be addressed.

The Arizona Cardinals recently extended 27-year-old guard Justin Murray, who has come a long way since being claimed off waivers by the Cardinals in 2019. In addition, offensive guard J.R. Sweezy was seen as a surprise cut candidate for the Cardinals because of his lack of progression. The team still needs depth in that area to help them flourish in the run game.
Looking ahead to the 2021 NFL Draft, there are a few players that the Cardinals could grab in the first three rounds to help their run game thrive and stay consistent. One of those names is USC offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
The USC Trojans have some talented prospects coming into next year’s draft including Jay Tufele and Amon Ra St. Brown and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Tucker stands 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds who is versatile force with a tremendous amount of upper body strength. Like former Trojan and Miami Dolphins rookie offensive tackle Austin Jackson, Alijah Vera-Tucker is an athletic machine that moves very well for his size. He is productive as a run and pass blocker. As a run blocker, Tucker has a nice burst of speed of the ball as a pulling guard that uses his hands efficiently to win those one-on-one matchups. As a pass blocker, he has elite technique that keeps a steady balance throughout plays. He recorded an 88.6 pass blocking grade in 2019 with no sacks or QB hits, according to Pro Football Focus. Alijah Vera-Tucker is a versatile talent at his position and would be a nice addition to the struggling Cardinals run game.
Tucker has room to grow in certain areas of his game. First, he does not have the greatest vision. There are times, specifically in games like USC’s matchup against Utah in 2019, where Tucker did not get comfortable until late in the game. He would let guys with elite speed run right by him ease. Tucker is quick, but he needs to develop that vision to peel off onto other opponents and get to his assignments more efficiently. Second, you don’t see too much bull rushing from Tucker. He has the power and athleticism to do so, but there have been times, like his game against Notre Dame in 2019, where he wouldn’t have the leverage because he was blocking shoulder pads high and he wouldn’t drive his feet. This causes Tucker to lose that battle. He does have the talent, speed and athleticism to develop this trait efficiently.

Teams fall in love with versatility at the offensive line position, and Alijah Vera-Tucker has all the tangibles to have a successful NFL career. He is a player that will not only give the Cardinals a nice boost in their pass blocking, but his run blocking efficiently is something that will help them immensely.

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