Morning mock draft: PFF slots versatile OL to Bills
In Pro Football Focus‘ latest mock ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft on Monday, the Buffalo Bills select USC prospect Alijah Vera-Tucker.
While the Bills did address their offensive line during free agency via re-signing the likes of Jon Feliciano and Daryl Williams, Vera-Tucker could still be a positive addition.
First, here’s PFF’s breakdown of the pick:
Vera-Tucker has had success at both guard and tackle at USC, and that versatility only enhances his value. He was excellent in pass protection last year at tackle, allowing only eight pressures on 305 attempts. He allowed just seven pressures on 590 attempts at guard in 2019.
Vera-Tucker has some stickiness as a run-blocker, especially at the second level, where he can lock onto linebackers to open up running lanes. He can start immediately at guard while doubling as a swing tackle in Buffalo.
Along the offensive line the Bills don’t have any glaring spots that need to be addressed. In addition to Feliciano, Cody Ford and Ike Boettger will both be back at guard. In the short term, that position would be Vera-Tucker’s best chance to start in 2021.
Vera-Tucker’s prowess as a run blocker is an intriguing prospect for the Bills by comparison to those returning. Perhaps his addition could help running backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss improve from their form in 2020, which was well below a good standard.
