The New York Jets completed a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, moving up to the No. 14 spot to draft offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker out of USC.
The Jets reportedly parted with their No. 23, No. 66, and No. 86 selections for the Vikings' No. 14 and No. 143 picks, according to Connor Hughes of The Athletic.
Vera-Tucker bolsters an offensive line that will be tasked with protecting second overall pick Zach Wilson. The USC product predominantly played tackle for the Trojans but could slide in at guard for New York.
A First-Team All-Pac-12 selection in 2020, Vera-Tucker is the second first-round offensive lineman the Jets have selected in as many years. New York used its 2020 first-round pick on tackle Mekhi Becton.
Draft profile
Ideal position: Guard, right tackle
Seeing snaps at both guard spots and left tackle in college, Vera-Tucker's versatility will be highly coveted. He was plenty effective protecting Kedon Slovis' blind side in 2020 and he possesses the football IQ to play anywhere on the offensive line, but his best fit likely comes at guard. Vera-Tucker offers excellent upper- and lower-body strength for the interior and already brings pass-blocking prowess to the table for the pros. With so few holes to poke in his game, Vera-Tucker profiles as an instant upgrade for many franchises at multiple positions.
