Alijah Vera-Tucker: Elite guard? | NY Jets film review

It has been quite a while since the New York Jets have had an offensive lineman who could be labeled a “star.”

Alijah Vera-Tucker might be the man to break that streak.

Finally staying healthy after suffering severe injuries in back-to-back seasons, Vera-Tucker put together a strong year for the Jets in 2024. He started 15 games and excelled as both a run blocker and pass blocker, helping to glue the Jets’ injury-plagued offensive line together.

While Vera-Tucker did not earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors (which is difficult to do when your team wins five games), there are people in the NFL who believe he played to that level. In a survey of NFL scouts, executives, and coaches, Vera-Tucker earned votes as one of the top 10 interior offensive linemen in the league.

Vera-Tucker has displayed superstar-level ability at points in his career. Back in 2022, he played well at three different positions to keep the Jets’ poor and injury-riddled offensive line afloat. He would have garnered All-Pro consideration if not for his season-ending injury.

In 2023, Vera-Tucker again saved the Jets’ offensive line by sliding out to right tackle. He was building a reputation as one of the NFL’s most versatile linemen.

While Vera-Tucker’s versatility was valuable, the Jets were most confident in his potential at guard. The 2024 season was his first chance to play a full season at guard since his rookie year.

Did Vera-Tucker establish himself as one of the NFL’s best guards? Or does he have some holes in his game to patch before he reaches that level?

Only the film can answer those questions.

Below is Blewett’s Blitz’s full Alijah Vera-Tucker film review, analyzing 44 plays across every game from Vera-Tucker’s 2024 season.