2021 New York Jets Draft

Breaking News: New York Jets trade up to #14 and select Alijah Vera-Tucker

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 02: USC Trojans guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans on November 02, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With the first pick of the Zach Wilson era, Jets’ GM Joe Douglas made a strong statement to his rookie QB, fan base and the entire organization: This rebuild is going to be very different.

Douglas executed a bold trade on Thursday night, moving up nine picks to #14 overall, to select offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Jets parted with a pair of 3rd round picks in the deal, leaving them with the one Day 2 selection (#34). The former Trojan played LT last year, after excelling at guard the season prior. According to @ESPNStatsInfo, Vera-Tucker allowed just one pressure in ‘19 on an incredible 561 blocking snaps. AVT will start at LG for Gang Green and immediately form a formidable combination with rookie sensation Mekhi Becton.

In his press conference following Day 1 of the draft, Douglas told the media that Vera-Tucker was a top 10 player on the Jets board. “Sitting at 23, we felt we had a unique opportunity to get really a top 10 player, in our minds, as our board was stacked.” Despite the fact that the OL class was beginning to slip down, Douglas made the decision to jump Las Vegas, Washington and a host of other OL-needy teams and draft Vera-Tucker. It speaks volumes about how Douglas viewed him as a prospect and the impact he can have on the development of Zach Wilson.

The Jets now turn their attention to pick #34, where they have a handful of options. They could take Teven Jenkins and further solidify the OL (my top choice), draft a talented defensive player like JOK/Samuel or trade back and re-coup draft capital. Whichever direction Douglas chooses, he’s set a terrific foundation on Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft.

You May Also Like

2021 New York Jets Free Agency

With the NFL Draft concluding this past weekend, all of the focus is on the youngsters entering the next phase of their lives. As...

Film

To understand where we are going, we must know where we have been. The 2020 season was painful for Jets Nation but will these...

2021 New York Jets Free Agency

Per Erik Burkhardt & Mike Garafolo, safety Marcus Maye has signed his franchise tag tender with the New York Jets. With the acceptance of...

Analytics

Sam Darnold. I think about that name probably more than any other name (excluding family members). I know that I’m not alone, I know...

© 2021 PLAY LIKE A JET

Exit mobile version