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Analyst Bucky Brooks Places Alijah Vera-Tucker on 2023 NFL All-Breakout Team
New York Jets' third-year offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker has flashed elite ability during his short time in the National Football League.
"We think he’s an All-Pro caliber right guard," said head coach Robert Saleh at the NFL Owners' Meetings in late March. "I think he can be a heck of a tackle too, but he is an elite guard — somewhere where we would love to keep him."
Vera-Tucker was effective at both guard and tackle last season before injury ended his 2022 campaign in Week 7.
Following a Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins, NFL Network personality Peter Schrager raved about Vera-Tucker on "Good Morning Football."
"You know who their [the Jets'] best player is? Their best player is an offensive lineman named Alijah Vera-Tucker, who they took in the first round," said Schrager. "This guy was dominant yesterday."
Fast-forward to the 2023 offseason and Vera-Tucker, who expects to be a full-go in time for training camp, has landed on NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks's All-Breakout Team.
Brooks, a second-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills in 1994, highlighted 11 offensive players (1 QB, 1 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 OC, 2 OG, 2 OT) who are "poised for prominence in 2023."
"These guys have yet to earn All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors, but I'm predicting they could garner serious consideration with their play in the coming campaign," wrote Brooks.
Vera-Tucker represented the Jets at one of the two guard spots.
From "2023 NFL All-Breakout Team, Offense":
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker
New York Jets · Age: 23
The ultra-versatile blocker has displayed all-star potential at offensive guard and offensive tackle. Vera-Tucker has snuffed out elite pass rushers on the edges and bullied defenders in the trenches, showcasing a unique set of skills that are hard to find in trench warriors. With more eyes on the Jets following Aaron Rodgers' arrival, the talented technician should receive the respect and recognition he deserves as a premier offensive lineman.
— Bucky Brooks
The 6-foot-5 Vera-Tucker, who has 23 NFL starts under his belt, was not spotted on the field at voluntary OTAs on May 31, but he practiced during the May 23 session that was also open to the media.
"I'm doing good right now with the recovery," said Vera-Tucker in early May. "Doing well, rehab. Feeling great right now, making great progress, should be ready by camp."
Vera-Tucker was ultra-reliable as a rookie. The former USC Trojan took 1,026 offensive snaps in 16 games during the 2021 campaign.
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