PFF names Alijah Vera-Tucker breakout candidate for 2023
The Jets’ roster is full of talent ready to blossom and build into a really strong group that can make some noise this coming season. Some of those are ready for the big time for the first time or are coming off an injury and are really ready to become a household name.
Pro Football Focus’ Zoltán Buday recently named his candidates from each team that can be a breakout star in 2023. For the Jets, that candidate is offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Some fans may think AVT has already become a star with how well he played last season at multiple positions. But a triceps injury cost him the final ten games of the season. He should be good for the start of this season and help lead the charge up front in protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and opening holes for Breece Hall and the rest of the running backs.
After playing left guard in his rookie season, Vera-Tucker started games at left tackle, right guard and right tackle in 2022 and is expected to be the starting right guard for the Jets in 2023. The former USC Trojan was off to a promising start before getting injured in Week 7 and missing the rest of the season. His 71.8 overall grade was a considerable improvement from his rookie season and ranked 16th among guards in the NFL, while his 76.5 run-blocking grade was good for sixth at his position.
AVT staying healthy will be a major key to the Jets’ success this season and if he replicates his success from last season, Jets fans won’t be the only fans that will know his name after 2023.
