Versatile Lineman Gives Jets Luxury They Prefer Not to Use

Could a guard solve Gang Green's starting tackle problem?

Alijah Vera-Tucker can do it, but the New York Jets are hoping he doesn't have to.

Prior to suffering a season-ending injury in Week 7 last year, the versatile Vera-Tucker kicked out from guard to tackle in an attempt to help his team fill a glaring need at the position.

"AVT is a very special football player. You guys know how we feel about AVT and what he did a year ago is unprecedented in football, so we’ve got full confidence," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh.

The 2021 first-round draft pick performed adequately as a rookie left guard before flipping to the right side to make room for veteran free agent Laken Tomlinson during the subsequent offseason. Saleh has publicly marveled over Vera-Tucker's ability as an interior blocker on multiple occasions.

"Like I’ve said, we want to keep him at guard as best we can, because we think he’s an All-Pro guard," said Saleh two days prior to Gang Green's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.

As training camp unfolds, however, the Jets have yet to find answers at either starting offensive tackle spot. When is it time to begin thinking that Vera-Tucker may be part of the elusive solution?

"We’re going to play our best five and if that’s how one of them shake up, that’s something we’re going to have to talk about," said Saleh.

Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) at Jets' Training Camp practice / © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran left tackle Duane Brown, who turns 38 years old at the end of the month, offers plenty of toughness and capability, but he remains on the PUP list following offseason shoulder surgery.

"I’m an optimistic guy, but we’ll see. I know he’s close, we’re anticipating it soon," said Saleh this past Wednesday. "He knows his body, he’s been doing this for a long time, and there’s no question he’ll be ready for Week 1."

Even if third-year head coach's hopes are answered, and Brown is available to plug into the Week 1 starting lineup, what about the question at right tackle?

Even with Brown out, behemoth bookend Mekhi Becton hasn't been taking first-team practice reps as he works his way back from a two-year absence. The Jets are trying to get Becton to a spot where he can confidently and comfortably play a full game on his repaired right knee.

"It’s just evaluating and making sure he’s in the right headspace and confident in his knee, so he can continue to build towards what we think he can be," said Saleh.

Meanwhile, veteran addition Billy Turner and second-year pro Max Mitchell have been rotating between the two tackle spots during open practices. By most accounts, both men have had their struggles trying to keep Aaron Rodgers clean.

"Both showing a lot of good things," said Saleh through his optimistic lens. "Obviously, you look at Billy, he’s got all the veteran experience and savviness and then you look at Max, he’s got, not that Billy’s not athletic or anything, but he’s just younger, and he’s a little bit bigger of a body. That competition has been going pretty good."

Mitchell's size could be cause for concern. Weighing less than 300 pounds, the 2022 fourth-round draft choice is one of the lighter offensive tackles in the NFL and has seemingly been tossed around at times this preseason. Turner, who turns 32 years old in October, hasn't played a full season in any of the past three years.

If Becton isn't ready, and neither Turner or Mitchell prove worthy of the starting spot, Vera-Tucker could arguably be the team's best option.

"I'm gonna play wherever the team needs me to play, wherever they think I fit best on the offensive line," said Vera-Tucker. "Right now, everything's pretty set, but, like last year, things can change in a heartbeat."

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