The Jets will count on left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker immediately in 2021, as a blind-side protector for prized rookie quarterback Zach Wilson.
And Vera-Tucker, who likely will start next to left tackle Mekhi Becton, thinks he’ll have no problem adjusting to coordinator Mike LaFleur’s West Coast offense, which relies heavily on an outside-zone blocking scheme.
Pro Football Focus recently named Vera-Tucker — whom the Jets drafted 14th overall last month, after trading up from No. 23 — as one of the 10 best system fits in this year’s draft. And that’s largely because of his ability to block on the move, which is important for an outside-zone scheme. So why is blocking on the move such a big strength for him?
“I think the main reason why it’s a big strength is I have a lot of practice in it,” Vera-Tucker said Friday, when the Jets began their three-day rookie minicamp. “We ran a whole lot of outside zone [in college at USC]. On top of that, for how big I am, I’m just an athletic guy and can get to the defensive lineman and cut him off.”
Vera-Tucker, who is 6-foot-4 and 308 pounds, credits another sport for making him so nimble.
“I played soccer for like 10 years growing up, so I’m pretty sure that had a big factor with it,” he said. “I’ve always been an athletic kid.”
The Jets will need him to show off that athleticism immediately in 2021, as he is expected to replace Alex Lewis (who is still on the roster) as their starting left guard.
Plus, the Jets traded two third-round picks to the Vikings (while getting a fourth-rounder in return), in order to move up for Vera-Tucker. So general manager Joe Douglas needs this pick to work out, after he failed to put a fully competent offensive line in front of Sam Darnold.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.
Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
"fit" - Google News
May 03, 2021 at 02:00PM
https://ift.tt/2SyrPUZ
Why Jets’ Alijah Vera-Tucker thinks he’ll be a great fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense, as blind-side protector f - NJ.com
"fit" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2SpPnsd
https://ift.tt/3aP4lys
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Why Jets’ Alijah Vera-Tucker thinks he’ll be a great fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense, as blind-side protector f - NJ.com"
Post a Comment