NFL mock draft 2021: Justin Fields, Trey Lance land in perfect situations
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 14th overall
60. Pick Analysis. OL. player. Player Bio. USC. Alijah Vera-Tucker. 14
The offensive line stands out as a major position of need for the Minnesota Vikings. After cutting Riley Reiff loose earlier this offseason, the team will have to figure out their left tackle situation. Moving Ezra Cleveland over from right guard seems like the most likely solution but Brian O’Neill moving over from right tackle is possible as well.
No matter how they shuffle around their offensive line, the Vikings will likely have a need on the interior entering the 2021 NFL Draft. While No. 14 overall may seem like a bit of a reach for an offensive guard, Alijah Vera-Tucker is a special offensive line prospect who is worthy of being taken in this range.
Vera-Tucker was an extremely successful offensive guard early in his college career but made the move to left tackle this past season. He continued to shine at the left tackle position in 2020 and may have a future there at the next level. That being said, his lack of natural arm length likely limits his upside as an offensive tackle in the NFL. Ideally, a team would take Vera-Tucker and let him dominate at left guard for many years.
Vera-Tucker is an extremely athletic offensive lineman who gets off of the ball quickly and shines as a run blocker in space. His natural athleticism is consistently impressive but do not sleep on his power on the inside. Vera-Tucker does a great job of maintaining proper pad level, shows extremely strong hands and has a knack for keeping his hands inside. He is a technically-sound and disciplined player who would be an immediate impact offensive guard for Minnesota.