The Vikings saw some new players fill in on the offensive line in 2020. With mixed results for that position group, it wouldn’t be absurd for Minnesota to use its No. 14 pick on an offensive lineman.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicted that’s what Minnesota will do. In his 2021 mock draft, Kiper tabbed the Vikings to take Alijah Vera-Tucker, an offensive lineman out of USC. Vera-Tucker could project as either a tackle or guard. Here’s what Kiper said about the pick:
“Speaking of rising prospects, Vera-Tucker has scouts around the league buzzing after a tremendous season. He moved from guard to left tackle and dominated for the Trojans. At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, he could play either position at the next level. The Vikings must solidify their offensive line around Kirk Cousins, even after spending second-round picks on Ezra Cleveland (2020) and Brian O’Neill (2018) in recent years, and Vera-Tucker could be the long-term answer on the left side of the line. Cousins plays best when his running game is humming, and Vera-Tucker is a great run blocker.”
His ability fits what Minnesota wants to do on offense. There’s a case to be made that the Vikings should pass more in 2021, but they’ll still have to run the ball to control a game. Vera-Tucker would help with that.
