Jacksonville Jaguars: Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for 2021 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars could use a boost at their left tackle position.
Even if the Jacksonville Jaguars hadn’t locked the first overall pick this past week, they would still have drafted a quarterback with the second overall pick, but what about their other first-round pick, which is currently projected to be the 21st overall? If they are interested in upgrading the left tackle position, they could target Alijah Vera-Tucker, who has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Vera-Tucker played guard in 2019 but switched to tackle this season and earned an All-Pac 12 designation for his work at the position. He intended to opt out earlier this year when the Pac-12 postponed the season but returned once it resumed.
Oregon’s Penei Sewell is the top left tackle in this upcoming class, but there isn’t a consensus regarding the next-best and Vera-Tucker could be the second one that gets his name called on draft night. Nevertheless, Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network believes the Jaguars will pick Vera-Tucker with their second first-round pick, the one they got when they traded cornerback Jalen Ramsey in 2019.
Drafting a left tackle makes sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This Jacksonville team will enter the offseason with plenty of roster needs, some more pressing than others. The defense certainly needs plenty of help but the next general manager can’t neglect the offensive side of the ball.
Left tackle Cam Robinson is set to become a free agent and the Jaguars may be better off letting him sign with another team. The Alabama standout has been inconsistent in 2020 and due to the lack of competent left tackles in the league, his price tag will likely be high. The team’s brass could use the money they would pay him to bolster their defense and draft his replacement with the 21st overall selection.
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Although the 2020 season hasn’t been kind to these Jaguars, they will enter the offseason with enough resources to upgrade their roster, possibly turn things around and build a perennial contender. They have enough draft picks to acquire playmakers, Vera-Tucker could be one of them.