NFL Draft

Jets trade up to select Alijah Vera-Tucker

Admin - April 29, 2021

The Jets traded up from #23 to #14 overall to select USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Gang Green had to give up #23 overall, two their third round draft picks (#66 and #86 overall) in exchange for Minnesota's #14 overall and a 4th round pick (#143 overall). Vera-Tucker was named the best Pac-12 offensive lineman and selected to the All-Pac-12 team in 2020. He played at both guard and left tackle at USC but is projected to start at left guard alongside OT Mekhi Becton.

According to ProFootballFocus, Vera-Tucker allowed only 8 pressures and 2 sacks in his final NCAA season. Six of those pressures and both sacks came in the Pac-12 championship against Oregon. He was also one of the highest-rated guards nationally in 2019, allowing just 7 pressures and 1 sack over 13 games and 590 pass-blocking snaps. Quite a few pundits had Vera-Tucker as the best guard in this draft.

Earlier today the Jets selected QB Zach Wilson at #2 overall.