Washington Football Team reportedly interested in a top offensive line prospect
The 2021 NFL Draft is nearly here and the Washington Football Team will have a decision to make with the 19th pick. Last year, they were basically locked into Chase Young as their selection for the entire draft process.
But this year, there are many, many potential outcomes for their first-round selection.
One of the top options for the team appears to be taking an offensive tackle. This class is very strong at the position and could have as many as eight or nine players selected at the position in the first round of the draft.
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Washington, a team that needs a tackle of the future with Cornelius Lucas and Morgan Moses both entering their 30s and set to have their deals expire after this year, certainly could consider one with the 19th pick, and it appears that there’s at least one that they wouldn’t let pass them by — if he’s available at the selection.
According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, Alijah Vera-Tucker isn’t likely to make it past the team’s pick at No. 19. The versatile lineman from USC could play tackle or guard in Washington and would be a long-term starter for the team.
"Though he’s considered more of a guard than a tackle, Washington likely gobbles up Vera-Tucker if he’s available. That works considering All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff’s time in Washington may end after this season if the two sides don’t agree to a contract extension before the July 15 deadline for players on the franchise tag."
Alijah Vera-Tucker makes sense for the Washington Football Team.
Vera-Tucker does have a chance to make it work at the tackle spot. He’s smooth and athletic, and the only thing working against him is that he’s slightly undersized for the outside at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds.
That said, we’ve seen smaller tackles work on the outside before, and Vera-Tucker certainly has the requisite athletic ability needed to find success out there. Even if he can’t find success there, he could kick inside to guard, as Standig mentioned, and serve as a long-term replacement for Brandon Scherff. And at guard, Vera-Tucker could be elite.
Either way, Vera-Tucker has the versatility that Ron Rivera has placed a value on during his year-plus tenure in Washington. He looks like a safe pick to be some sort of contributor, so don’t be surprised if Washington calls his name on draft night.
Of course, Vera-Tucker would have to make it to the team’s pick first. There are a few teams that could consider him with their first pick and notably, the Chargers and Vikings stand out as potential landing spots for him.
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So, Vera-Tucker’s availability can’t be counted on, but either way, he appears to be a top target for Washington. It’s just a matter of whether or not he’ll be available.