Offensive lineman emerging as favorite to be Vikings top pick in 2021
By Adam Patrick
Based on some of the most recent mock drafts, USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker is who many believe will end up with the Minnesota Vikings in this year’s NFL Draft.
Fixing the offensive line has been a puzzle that Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has been attempting to solve during most of his tenure with the franchise.
Spielman has pretty much tried everything to improve the Vikings‘ offensive line in the last few years, but nothing has really resulted in a satisfying result.
Heading into the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft, Minnesota’s offensive line is still in need of a talent upgrade. Will Spielman look to use the team’s top pick on a new blocker in this year’s draft?
Former USC blocker the choice for many to be the Minnesota Vikings top 2021 pick
Before the 2021 offseason, the majority of mock drafts had the Vikings using their first-round selection on a pass rusher.
After the opening rush of free agency and some pre-draft workouts, however, now most are mocking a former USC offensive lineman to Minnesota this year.
According to NFLMockDraftDatabase.com, the consensus pick for the Vikings during the last two weeks has been former USC blocker Alijah Vera-Tucker. Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye is Minnesota’s consensus selection from the last two months, but Vera-Tucker has found his way into the conversation during the last few weeks.
For those who are unfamiliar with Vera-Tucker, he’s a versatile blocker who has the ability to line up as either a tackle or a guard. With the Vikings having a need at left tackle and both guard spots, he could potentially be a starter for the team when they take their field for their first game of the 2021 season.
The Draft Network currently has Vera-Tucker ranked as their 14th-best 2021 prospect and the fourth-best offensive lineman available in this year’s draft.
If Minnesota were to use the No. 14 pick on him in the upcoming 2021 draft, it would be the highest draft selection the team has spent on an offensive lineman since they used the No. 4 pick on Matt Kalil in 2012.