© Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Saleh Wants New York Jets' Former First-Round Pick to Play 'One Position'
The New York Jets' offensive line overhaul relies upon the health and availability of 2021 first-rounder Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is recovering from an Achilles tear.
The versatile Alijah Vera-Tucker has started games at left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle over his first three seasons as a New York Jet.
If all goes according to plan, however, he'll remain in one position moving forward.
"His gift and curse is his versatility," said Jets' fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh earlier this week at the league meetings in Orlando.
Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
New York's 2021 first-round draft pick has switched spots frequently to accommodate the team's needs along what has been a patchwork offensive line in recent seasons. Although he's been a stabilizing force when on the field, Vera-Tucker has suffered season-ending injuries in October each of the past two years.
"Just to let him focus on one position, not move him around. We do feel like that's kind of contributed to his injuries the last couple of years," said Saleh.
After making 16 starts at left guard as a rookie, Vera-Tucker has totaled only 12 appearances in the two seasons since.
Vera-Tucker, the No. 14 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, flipped to right guard in 2022 to accommodate the free agent signing of left guard Laken Tomlinson. With the team's bookends depleted by injury, Vera-Tucker made a surprise start at left tackle in Week 4 and moved to right tackle the following week before an ACL tear ended his season in Denver.
In 2023, he started the first two games at right guard but kicked out to right tackle in Week 3 when Mekhi Becton vacated the position to fill a void on the left side. Vera-Tucker's season, however, ended in Week 5 due to an Achilles tear.
"Our goal is to try to do everything we can to keep him healthy. Our goal is to keep him in one position and as of now it's at right guard," said Saleh.
The Jets overhauled their offensive line by acquiring three new starters this offseason, and it was all done under the assumption that Vera-Tucker would lock down the right guard spot.
"See him everyday at the facility," said Saleh as the 24-year-old works his way back from a second serious injury. "He's working his tail off. He looks good. Expecting him back for Week 1."
