Giants select OT Alijah Vera-Tucker in latest CBS Sports mock draft
New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has placed an emphasis on improving the team’s “hog mollies” under his guidance, but after three years, Big Blue still has issues across their offensive line.
While first-round pick Andrew Thomas appears to be a stalwart at left tackle after a rough start to his career, things are less certain at right tackle.
Veteran Cam Fleming, an impending unrestricted free agent, took the majority of snaps at right tackle this season, but was frequently spelled by rookie Matt Peart over the final half of the season.
The Giants are confident in Peart and view him as a potential long-term answer, but that did not stop Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports from mocking a new offensive tackle to the Giants in Round 1 of his most recent 2021 NFL mock draft.
Round 1, pick 11: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC
The Giants need pass rush help, but bolstering the offensive line may take priority. Andrew Thomas got better as the year progressed, but Vera-Tucker proved in 2020 that he can play either guard or tackle and excelled while doing it.
Given the Giants’ needs at other positions, it would be shocking to see them take another offensive tackle in Round 1 come April. However, if they view Vera-Tucker as a guard, it’s possible (but still unlikely) they take the plunge and use him to potentially replace veteran Kevin Zeitler at right guard.
If they view Vera-Tucker as a tackle however, there’s little chance they spend the draft capital to select him — especially when considering veteran Nate Solder is expected to return next season after opting out of 2020 due to COVID-19.
How would you feel about Vera-Tucker, Giants fans? A celebration or a remote toss?
