New York Jets Trade Up With Minnesota Vikings, Draft Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker

The New York Jets pick Alijah Vera-Tucker in the NFL draft after trading up from No. 23 overall to No. 14, sending three selections to the Minnesota Vikings

Max Goodman | Apr 29, 2021

General manager Joe Douglas alluded to trading up weeks ago, saying the Jets already started laying the "groundwork" to move up in the first round.

Shortly after selecting quarterback Zach Wilson second overall, the Jets did just that, moving up from No. 23 to No. 14 with the Minnesota Vikings.

Then, in an effort to protect their rookie quarterback, New York picked USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, a prospect viewed as the top-rated guard of this draft class.

In the trade, New York sent Minnesota two third-round picks (No. 66 and 86), along with the 23rd overall selection. In return, the Jets added No. 143 in the fourth round in addition to the 14th pick.

We've seen Vera-Tucker going to the Jets in countless mock drafts this offseason, a clear upgrade to a struggling offensive line. Now, even if it costs this organization two third-rounders, the Jets have two of the best young offensive linemen in the league.

Vera-Tucker will line up alongside left tackle Mekhi Becton, the behemoth New York selected in the first round one year ago.

Again, it's a sacrifice to give up two picks later on this draft, but Douglas and the Jets had the surplus of selections at their disposal to make this kind of move.

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Published Apr 29, 2021

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.