An “Old” Face for Vikings Surfaces in CBS Mock Draft

Rick Spielman and John Lynch
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

If the Minnesota Vikings began playing football games this Sunday rather than in September, the team’s offensive line would like this [at the moment]:

(LT) Rashod Hill, (LG) Mason Cole, ( C ) Garrett Bradbury, (RG) Ezra Cleveland, (RT) Brian O’Neill.

Or, it could resemble this:

(LT) Ezra Cleveland, (LG) Dakota Dozier, ( C ) Garrett Bradbury, (RG) Mason Cole, (RT) Brian O’Neill.

Neither option is very titillating, so that’s probably why the Vikings are forecasted by most mock-drafters to select an offensive lineman on April 29th during the 2021 NFL Draft. Some theories assert that Minnesota will choose a defensive end — like Kwity Paye or Gregory Rousseau — but the common theme as of late is an offensive lineman at #14 for general manager Rick Spielman.

Who are the names sent to the Vikings to bolster the offensive trenches? Christian Darrisaw from Alabama and Rashawn Slater from Northwestern are the prime suspects. Perhaps Penei Sewell from Oregon could take an odd tumble, but the chances of that are slim.

On Thursday, CBS Sports got “back to basics” for the Vikings mock-draft aspirations. A name linked to Minnesota in early mock drafts, CBS Sports‘ Josh Edwards sent interior offensive lineman, Alijah Vera-Tucker from USC, to the Vikings. Edwards noted:

“Minnesota gets really good value with Alijah Vera-Tucker who has five positional flexibility but it is probably best served inside. It will be interesting to see where the Vikings play Ezra Cleveland after Riley Reiff moved on.”

Depending on one’s source, this can be considered a bit of a “reach” for Minnesota at the 14th plank on the ladder. Interior offensive linemen are routinely plucked from the later rounds of the draft, but Vera-Tucker might just be that damn good. He must be — Vera-Tucker to the Vikings in the Top 15 is a big statement.

Pro Football Focus‘ Mike Renner posted a Top 100 draft board recently, and Vera-Tucker ranked 34th overall. Renner wrote:

“Vera-Tucker played tackle last year but is likely a guard in the NFL. In two years as a starter between left guard and left tackle, he allowed a grand total of 15 pressures.”

So, it could be a stretch for the Vikings to grab Vera-Tucker so highly. But the Vikings do have a mammoth need at offensive guard and/or left tackle.

Sporting News was more generous in their Top 100 draft prospect listing. Vinnie Iyer evaluates Vera-Tucker as the 13th-best player in the NFL draft, saying about the USC alumnus:

“Vera-Tucker is a powerful inside presence and also some potential to play on the outside at right tackle if he can round out his game. His natural tools have gotten him notice to climb up draft boards.”

There is a little bit of disagreement between PFF and Sporting News. All that is known for sure is that the Vikings, indeed, need serious help in the offensive trenches.

Here’s the scouting report skinny on Vera-Tucker from The Draft Network:

“Alijah Vera-Tucker has aligned predominantly at left tackle this season for the Trojans offense. He has exceptional athleticism, as evidenced by his balance and body control in his pass set. He is an easy mover who demonstrates his athleticism in the passing game, particularly in his kick slide. He plays with very good competitiveness when he is bull rushed. In the run game, he comes off the ball hard to strike and he excels by getting his body in favorable positions. He’s played this year at left tackle, affording him much more value due to his ability to play that position in a pinch at the next level. “

Interestingly, Vera-Tucker could very well be the Vikings selection — even if Spielman trades out of the 14th pick. The Vikings are long-rumored to be trade-back candidates as the franchise is seeking a 2nd-Round draft choice. It lost the original 2nd Rounder after acquiring Yannick Ngakoue from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020.

Vera-Tucker is the type of player that may be available to the Vikings in the “20s” area of the 1st Round — all the more reason to keep an eye on his status when draft night hits.

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