NY Jets: Grade and analysis for all 10 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft

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2021 NFL Draft / Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Round 1, 14th Overall, NY Jets: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC

The Jets traded up nine spots from No. 23 overall to select USC guard/tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker. And in doing so, they managed to land the best interior offensive lineman in this class.

The trade itself, which saw the Jets send both third-round picks to Minnesota, was a relatively fair one from a value standpoint.

And when you consider the fact that guard was arguably the team’s biggest need and that they were attempting to build around/protect their rookie quarterback, it makes this move even more applaudable.

Vera-Tucker will be a day-one starter at left guard alongside Mekhi Becton giving the Jets a pair of young stalwarts manning the left side of the offensive line.

This was an exceptional move for Douglas and the Jets.

Grade: A

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