Aliza Vera-Tucker Promotes Big O-Line to Jets

You could say that NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger is a fan of the selection of guard Aliza Vera-Tucker in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

“I felt he was the best lineman in the draft,” said Baldinger, who spent 12 years on the offensive line in the NFL.

Most draft analysts rated Vera-Tucker as the top guard in the draft, but Pennai tackles Sewell and Rashavan Slater. Badinger believes that Vera-Tucker, who played at USC, is better than the two who were drafted ahead of him.

“I like Vera-Tucker,” Baldinger said. He said, “I like that. I like his punch. I like the way he finishes. He walks well It is a large block of granite there. He is just a very constant player. He can reach another level. “

In 2019 Vera-Tucker played guard for the Trojans, then moved to left tackle in 2020. He is expected to play left guard for the Jets, but Baldinger said that Vera-Tucker has enough traits if he needs the Jets.

The jet
Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker
Robert Sabo, AP

“I think there are some guys who just can’t go out and play the left tackle. They’re just guards,” said Baldinger. “I think Vera-Tucker, if they wanted to play him to tackle, So he could. Its length is considerable. “

Jets general manager Joe Douglas has now drafted an offensive lineman for two straight years in the first round. The Jets took 14 years between preparing an offensive lineman in the first round before taking Mekhi Becton with the No. 11 overall pick last year. The offensive line has caused massive problems in recent years following the retirements of Nick Mangold and D’Brykeshaw Ferguson.

Douglas has clearly prioritized building the line and protecting quarterback Zach Wilson, his pick at No. 2 overall. He did not wait for a lineman on Thursday night. Instead, he sent two third-round picks to the Vikings, from 23 to 14, to move up nine spots and grab Vera-Tucker.

“When Joey stepped in last night, I said, ‘Bravo,'” said Balinger. “How many people played the left guard for him last year? It’s a revolving door.”

Right at that point. The Jets had Alex Lewis, Josh Andrews and Pat Elflin starting at left guard last year.

Joints from Vera-Tucker to Becton are the Jets on the way to creating a good offensive line, something they haven’t done in a few years.

“If you just start building this thing from left to left guard, I can just see this thing getting stronger and stronger,” Baldinger said. “They are going to be Bash Brothers over there. You can see real progress. Just give mekki and AVT more and more snacks together and they will just grow together. “

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