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Philadelphia Eagles: 3 potential “sleeper picks” to consider at 12

By David Esser

Aug 29, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) rushes the ball past South Dakota State Jackrabbits safety Joshua Manchigiah (3) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) rushes the ball past South Dakota State Jackrabbits safety Joshua Manchigiah (3) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles Alijah Vera-Tucker
Dec 18, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) during the Pac-12 Championship against the Oregon Ducks at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL

My guess is that he won’t be available at pick 12, but if he is, you best believe Howie Roseman is going to seriously contemplate drafting USC’s Alijah-Vera-Tucker.

Not only has Howie shown a history of prioritizing offensive and defensive linemen towards the top of the first-round in the past, but Vera-Tucker also presents an aspect of versatility that makes him more valuable than most linemen. A left tackle in college, most scouts also have him pinned as a player who can successfully kick into guard at the professional level.

While the Eagles’ offensive line is expected to be much better in 2021 following the return of Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, and Andre Dillard – the unit still has to start building for the future. Jason Kelce is likely set to retire after this season, and both Johnson and Brooks have proven unreliable from a health standpoint.

Vera-Tucker gives the Eagles a new starting left guard in 2021, paving the way for Isaac Seumalo to take over the everyday center job in ’22.

The highly rated USC prospect also gives the Eagles a bit of an “insurance plan” at the tackle positions. He could easily be the team’s starting left tackle should Dillard or Jordan Mailata struggle early on, and putting Vera-Tucker at LT also frees up Mailata to play some right tackle should Lane continue to battle injury.

Next. Philadelphia Eagles: Four *new* RB2 options to consider in 2021. dark

The Eagles landing of Lane Johnson back in the 2013 Draft was a big reason the franchise ended up winning its first Super Bowl five years later – don’t be surprised if Roseman tries to replicate that here in 2021 with Vera-Tucker, should he fall on draft night.

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