Chicago Bears: Five darkhorse NFL Draft prospects at 20th overall

5. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

While the Bears did appear to figure out some of their offensive line issues throughout the second half of 2020, it’s still a major need heading into 2021. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. could be cut this offseason, must be replaced at some point over the next two offseasons. In what is a deep offensive line class, Chicago can easily find his replacement.

One name that’s continued to fly under the radar has been USC’s Alijah-Vera-Tucker. Playing most as a left tackle, what’s visible when watching Vera-Tucker on film is his athleticism. He’s also a force in the running game and shows the ability to adapt to any offensive scheme.

What position Vera-Tucker will play at the next level will continue to be a subject of debate throughout the predraft process. To some, his best fit may be to move to the inside and just play left guard. His experience at left tackle could make him a fit at either spot.

With the Bears, Vera-Tucker could play at any spot but it’d be more likely that he plays at left tackle. With Leno Jr. getting older and Cody Whitehair, James Daniels, and Sam Mustipher set to form a formidable trio in the interior of the offensive line, deciding to draft Vera-Tucker just to have him start inside would create a crowded interior lineman group. The extra competition wouldn’t be a bad but Chicago also wouldn’t be maximizing its talent.