2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
27 of 32
2021 NFL mock draft, Alijah Vera-Tucker
Alijah Vera-Tucker, 2021 NFL Mock Draft (Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Ravens utilize No. 27 to replenish O-line

27. Baltimore Ravens: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

Trading Orlando Brown Jr. wasn’t all that surprising for the Baltimore Ravens as you looked at the scope of how they operate. This is a franchise that has traditionally been confident in their ability to both identify young talent to put into the trenches and also put those players in the best position to succeed — basically exactly what they did with Brown.

But with that strategy, the Ravens haven’t often used the first round to address needs on the offensive line. Outside of Ronnie Stanley, it’s just something we don’t often see from the organization. However, with Alijah Vera-Tucker falling in their laps, that’s going to change on Thursday.

Vera-Tucker played both guard and left tackle at USC and thrived in both capacities. He’s a great blend of athleticism and strength, which would make him a natural fit for how the Ravens like to use guys. He slips to me because there are questions about whether he’s a guard or tackle but my money is on Baltimore being able to use him on the edge.

This is great value at a position of obvious need, especially if he can come in as depth or at guard once the team signs Alejandro Villanueva.

Who I Would Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker