3-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos, Bears trade up for quarterbacks
By Randy Gurzi
player. Pick Analysis. IOL. USC. Alijah Vera-Tucker. 32. Scouting Report. 16
16. Arizona Cardinals: Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL, USC
Up next is the Arizona Cardinals who took a step forward last season, even if they didn’t finish as they wanted. Just past midseason, they were one of the teams in the mix for the NFC West but then things went south. They finished 8-8 and while that was an improvement from their previous campaign, they still have room to grow.
This offseason, they believe they have done that as they landed defensive end J.J. Watt and wide receiver A.J. Green. Neither player is able to play at the level they used to, but there’s a belief that each still has something in the tank — especially Watt who was still a force on the defensive line for Houston last season.
Having said all that, there’s still a weakness on the roster — their offensive line. Arizona needs more help at guard and tackle but they did improve at center with Rodney Hudson.
Knowing they have to build the line around him, the Cardinals take USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker at No. 16. Vera-Tucker is another intriguing prospect since he played left tackle but that might not be his home in the NFL.
Instead, he’s expected to kick inside but if we are being honest, Arizona should try him at both spots since they really don’t have any studs to speak of.