The dynamics of the Miami Dolphins’ first pick in the 2021 NFL draft are well discussed. We know what’s at stake for a Dolphins team offering the best possible supporting cast for their sophomore quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Whether Miami opts for an offensive weapon (Kyle Pitts), a wide receiver or a top-flight aircraft – the expectation is that we will see the Dolphins nail an offensive prospect with their first choice.
But the choice on no. 18 overall begins a debate of its own yield. For some time, there was unanimity among Dolphins fans that the team should use the choice to field Alabama fullback Najee Harris to play with Tagovailoa in the backfield. But the positional value of a back that early on feels like it could be something flying in the face of Miami’s team building approach with this current regime.
And if the choice is not used for Harris, what direction can we see the Dolphins going?
One new competitor that is fast becoming a persistent option in the cartoon is attacking linebacker Alijah Vera-Tucker of USC. There are a number of dynamics that will make the addition of Vera-Tucker interesting for the Dolphins, starting its history with Austin Jackson’s left-wing approach. Miami, ironically, put Jackson in exactly the same position in last year’s draft – and Jackson played the previous college season with Vera-Tucker playing to his right as the Trojan left guard. So you know there is chemistry. And with Jackson heading to pro-level in 2020, Vera-Tucker has moved on to the outside world and played herself last season.
This level of positional versatility will definitely grab the attention of the Dolphins, who have prioritized positional flexibility at numerous stops during the two-year rebuild. Vera-Tucker’s experience with both tackle and protection means the team will have plenty of options to mix and match before getting the best combination of five players up front; and if someone goes down, the line can be moved accordingly.
The big question with Vera-Tucker: does he fit the previously measured standards of the Dolphins of an attacking linebacker? The team has a fairly consistent ‘type’ that they are looking for in attacking lineouts: the team likes size and explosiveness of their lower body from the front.
Vera-Tucker turned up at 6.5-4.5 and 308 pounds on his Pro Day.
Alijah Vera-Tucker 6044 308 32 1/8 arm
– Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 24, 2021
That makes him a little lighter than the Dolphins’ tendency has suggested they would covet – as Ereck Flowers and Solomon Kindley average 341 pounds as the predicted starting guards. Austin Jackson and Robert Hunt, the projected starting gear, averaged 324 pounds. That is not to say that Vera-Tucker cannot increase and add to the masses, but doing so will threaten some of the things that will make him outstanding as a prospect at USC in 2020.
Will the Dolphins tackle the challenge? Or will the team look for someone who fits their form more clearly? You will not find our Vera-Tucker to place the Dolphins in any mockery construction between now and the end of the month, but the NFL concept is unpredictable and you can never say never!