IOL, USC
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 315 lbs
Class: rs-Junior
There is no standout candidate at the top of this year’s interior offensive line class, but Vera-Tucker takes the top positional spot on my Big Board. After an excellent season at left guard in 2019, he switched to tackle this season and won the Morris Trophy for the best lineman in the Pac-12. Teams will be divided on his best fit, but he is a very intriguing prospect.
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Strengths
Vera-Tucker’s biggest strength is his pass protection. 2019 was his first season as a starter, playing at left guard. He was great in that role, allowing just seven pressures on his 570 pass blocking snaps. USC run a pass-heavy offense and Vera-Tucker achieved an 80.5 PFF grade on true pass sets. This is one of the best metrics for predicting future pass blocking success.
He switched to left tackle this season for the first time in his career and the transition was seamless. Though USC were limited to just six games, Vera-Tucker showed that he has what it takes to play tackle and his numbers were similarly impressive. He allowed just eight pressures on his 305 pass blocking snaps and just two through his first five games. Part of the reason for his seamless transition is his excellent football intelligence. Vera-Tucker reads the game well, with the ability to recognise stunts and blitzes and react quickly. You can see this in the clip below against Arizona State.
Vera-Tucker’s balance is exceptional and he plays with a really solid anchor and great leverage. You rarely see him get pushed back on bull rushes and other power moves. He showcases great power with his initial punch, though he could stand to improve the consistency of his hand placement.
Vera-Tucker also offers some real potential as a run blocker. He is a people mover and has the play strength to create wide open running lanes. He has put together back-to-back seasons of 75.0+ PFF run blocking grades and has been equally effective in the ground game when playing at tackle.
Weaknesses
In terms of the technical aspects of his game, there are not many glaring issues. It is more a case of Vera-Tucker needing to refine certain things. In particular, he would benefit from more consistent hand usage and better footwork, though neither of these are major flaws at present.
The biggest question mark will be whether or not he stays at tackle or moves back inside to guard. Unlike Rashawn Slater, who I think can stay at tackle despite his limitations, Vera-Tucker will probably move back to guard. Whilst he impressed for much of the season, his performance against Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game was nothing short of a disaster. He allowed six total pressures, including two sacks, on his 57 pass blocking snaps.
Kayvon Thibodeaux gave him fits all game and that kind of performance will lead to questions about whether or not Vera-Tucker can stay at tackle in the NFL. Thibodeaux is likely a top ten pick in the 2022 Draft, but these are the kind of players that you need to hold your own against at the next level. Vera-Tucker is also not the most athletic prospect. This sees him struggle against speed off the edge and I think this is another reason for his future being at guard.
Bottom Line
Vera-Tucker is a quality lineman, with two excellent seasons under his belt. He is polished as a pass protector and his run blocking proficiency gives him a very well-rounded game. He is an intelligent player, with the tools and the smarts to translate well to the NFL. I have my doubts about his ability to play tackle at the next level, but he should make an excellent guard.
Big Board Rank: #30
Positional Rank: #1
