Joe Douglas moved aggressively last spring to acquire Alijah Vera-Tucker, and the early results indicate that the deal is paying off.
The Jets traded the No. 23, 66 and 86 overall picks to the Vikings to secure the No. 14 overall pick to select Vera-Tucker in the 2021 draft. After his rookie season, it looks like it could be a slam dunk move.
“I feel like it went well. Obviously, there were some ups and downs from a personal standpoint,” Vera-Tucker said after he met with reporters after the season finale against the Bills. “I feel like this rookie year took some time to evaluate this NFL life, it was a great opportunity for me.”
Vera-Tucker wasn’t always perfect, but the Jets couldn’t expect greatness in year one.
But there were plenty of plays where Vera-Tucker looked like a seasoned pro.
The former USC standout showed signs of becoming a force in the run blocking game. And while it wasn’t always consistent, Vera-Tucker’s showed impressive athleticism. He can pull across the line of scrimmage, or block two blitzing defenders in pass protection to give his QB enough time to fire a strike.
Mike White’s touchdown pass to Braxton Berrios against the Bengals is a prime example of this.
In the running game, Vera-Tucker can double-team a defensive tackle then sprint up to the second level and quickly latch onto a linebacker.
The Jets rushing attack averaged 4.3 yards when running left, which is solid, but leaves room for improvement.
Vera-Tucker needs to be better in pass protection. He allowed 42 pressures (34 hurries, six QBs hits and two sacks), sixth most among NFL guards, according to Pro Football Focus. Growth in that area will come with time as he gets stronger and cleans up his technique.
“I think there’s always room for improvement. From what I could say now without looking at every single game in close detail, I’d say pass pro,” Vera-Tucker said. “I’d definitely like to get better at that. I know my strengths and weaknesses with that. Also in the run game, too. I just always want to be violent in the run and pass game. I feel like I was able to show that this season. But I definitely need to pass well, just techniques and stuff like that. Being able to just perfect my craft.”
The three picks after Zach Wilson were Vera-Tucker, Elijah Moore and Michael Carter and all three have shown they are building blocks. The offensive quartet could become the core that changes the course of the franchise.
“It’s really exciting just the rookie class this year, everybody taking this year to grow and stuff like that, getting used to playing in the NFL,” Vera-Tucker said. “I’m excited for it. I know everybody else is excited for it. Go into this offseason and evaluate what we did right, what we do wrong, look at the tape and just get better.”
Overall, Vera-Tucker’s rookie year revealed he could become a premier guard in the NFL. He already flashed promise in the run game, and as he acknowledges, his pass blocking needs improvement.
The trade up to the No. 14 pick is paying early dividends.