Alijah Vera-Tucker
OL, USC · 2021 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #14 (NYJ)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 43 of ~85 possible regular-season games from 2021 through 2025 (~51%). Plus 6 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #13 (#1 at his position), close to where he went (#14).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
USC: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.05 40-yard dash at 308 lbs: faster than 83% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
OL (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 49 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 2 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 14 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.4 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 16.4 |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2021 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2021 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 308 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.05 s |
| Bench press | 36 reps |
| Vertical | 32" |
| Broad jump | 106" |
| 3-cone | 7.67 s |
| Shuttle | 4.7 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.13" / 9.63" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #13 overall (#1 OL) |
Picked around him 2021 redraft
| 11 | Justin Fields | redraft #9 |
| 12 | Micah Parsons | redraft #1 |
| 13 | Rashawn Slater | redraft #22 |
| 15 | Mac Jones | redraft #20 |
| 16 | Zaven Collins | redraft #42 |
| 17 | Alex Leatherwood | redraft #123 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.