2021 NFL Draft: Jets, Panthers fill QB need in three-round mock draft
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 12th overall
Scouting Report. OL. USC. 12. player. Pick Analysis. Alijah Vera-Tucker. 42
Alijah Vera-Tucker had a fantastic 2020 season at USC and needs to be taken seriously as one of the premier offensive linemen in this draft class. He shined at left guard for the team in 2019, showing tremendous natural athleticism and impact ability as both a run blocker and pass protector. However, he made the move to left tackle this past season and his success at that spot has taken his draft stock to the next level.
Vera-Tucker is a smooth natural athlete up front who moves extremely well in space and does a fantastic job of maintaining his balance at all times. While the athleticism and movement ability are where Vera-Tucker really shines, he also shows above-average power at the point of attack and is a tough and feisty competitor in the run game.
With tremendous natural movement ability, Vera-Tucker is a fantastic second-level run blocker who would be a perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive scheme. Kyle Shanahan loves to feature offensive linemen who can get out in space and move and Vera-Tucker undoubtedly fits the bill. Add in their immediate need at the offensive guard position and Vera-Tucker stands out as the ideal target for the 49ers here at No. 12.
Assuming the 49ers are able to re-sign left tackle Trent Williams in free agency this offseason, Vera-Tucker would enter an ideal situation in San Francisco. The 49ers could plug him in as an immediate starter at an offensive guard spot and groom him as their next left tackle when they are ready to move on from Williams. This feels like a perfect fit for both the team and prospect.