In a previous offseason mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. tabbed the Vikings to fix their offensive line with USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Kiper has a different mock draft now, but the same player going to Minnesota. Vera-Tucker was his Vikings prediction for No. 14. He makes the case for why here:
“I’ll stick with Vera-Tucker here because of his versatility. He played guard before moving to left tackle for USC last season. He impressed there and rocketed up draft boards. I think he’ll probably stick at tackle in the NFL. We know coach Mike Zimmer will always push for the Vikings to draft a defender, and this could also be a spot for a pass-rusher or defensive back.”
It’s nice that Vera-Tucker can play both guard and tackle, because, at the moment, Minnesota’s offensive line situation is a bit up in the air. Riley Reiff is currently under contract, but the Vikings are most likely going to be strapped for cash this offseason. There’s also Ezra Cleveland, the right guard from last season who could switch to tackle.
