The New York Jets drafted Alijah Vera-Tucker in the 1st round, 14th overall of the 2021 NFL Draft. Vera-Tucker is an offensive lineman who started 19 games with the USC Trojans, starting 13 games at left guard in 2019 and six games at left tackle in 2020.
Vera-Tucker started 16 games at left guard in his rookie season. He didn’t have to switch positions because the Jets were relatively healthy at tackle and had a backup plan. He finished with five penalties, two sacks allowed, and a 66.8 PFF Grade.
Vera-Tucker started his second season at right guard but had to switch positions because the Jets’ tackles were injured. He started at left tackle in Week 4 and moved to right tackle for Weeks 5-7. He suffered a season-ending torn triceps in Week 7. He finished with one penalty, one sack allowed, and a 71.8 PFF Grade.
Vera-Tucker, once again, started his third season at right guard but had to switch positions. Duane Brown suffered a hip injury, and the Jets placed him on injured reserve before Week 3. Vera-Tucker had to start at right tackle for Weeks 3-5. He suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 5. He finished with one penalty, two sacks allowed, and a 71.7 PFF Grade.
After suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries, the Jets will assign him to one position.
The New York Jets will assign Alijah Vera-Tucker to one position.
General Manager Joe Douglas told reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine that the Jets will assign Vera-Tucker to one position.
“We don’t have any decision on exactly where he’s going to line up,” Douglas said. “But AVT’s ability to play four different spots, and play four different spots well, gives us a lot of flexibility moving forward on our roster building and our O-line building. The one thing we’re going to do this year, we’re not going to move Alijah Vera-Tucker around. We’re going to have a spot for him and leave him there for the season.”
Alijah Vera-Tucker is happy he gets to focus on one position.
Vera-Tucker is happy he gets to focus on one position.
“It feels good, kind of comforting,” Vera-Tucker said, via the team’s website. “Before we even step into camp, we know what the lineup’s going to be. It’s a good feeling. I have to make sure to perfect my technique and craft at that position. Obviously, there are some improvements to be made, and I plan on doing that each and every year,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m excited to be at one position and do my thing.”
The New York Jets loaded up on tackles this offseason.
The Jets loaded up on tackles this offseason by signing Tyron Smith to a one-year contract, trading for Morgan Moses, and drafting Olumuyiwa Fashanu in the 1st round.
The New York Jets starting offensive line for 2024.
If the Jets can stay healthy, their starting lineup for 2024 is LT Tyron Smith, LG John Simpson, C Joe Tippmann, RG Alijah Vera-Tucker, and RT Morgan Moses.
Hopefully, everything will go according to plan.
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