Becton, listed at 6-foot-7, 363 pounds, has the “elite God-given size” to be a difference-maker on the offensive line for the Jets.
Second-year offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur sees in Becton what many saw in his rookie season. The potential to be a dominant force on the line, next to impossible for opposing defenses to get around.
With the Jets all-in on starting quarterback Zach Wilson, a healthy Becton could be a difference-maker for LaFleur and head coach Robert Saleh.
“He’s a very large man that is hard to run around in the pass game, and then, for being such a big man, he’s got a great first step to get on players and move them in the run game,” LaFleur said. “Our scheme or any other scheme, he’s got the talent because of the elite God-Given size that he has. The thing for Mekhi is for him just putting himself in the best situation going forward.”
And that’s where the plot thickens for Becton.
For the third-year tackle, drafted at No. 11 in 2020, availability has been an issue.
Becton has played only eight complete games out of 33. After missing 16 games last season due to knee surgery, “The Big Ticket” is gearing up for a pivotal season in his professional career.
And he hears the chatter circling the team questioning his durability and work ethic.
Becton’s response, at the conclusion of the team’s minicamp, was as clear-cut as it gets.
“I’m going to make them eat their words.”
Becton, while listed at 363 pounds, may or may not still be at that playing weight. And if he weighs more than that number, Becton or the coaching staff isn’t saying.
It’s what Saleh said, however, which may put the spotlight on Becton when players arrive for training camp.
“He has 40 days to continue to work and get himself ready to play football,” Saleh said, referencing the start of training camp.
Becton has the talent to be one the best offensive linemen in the NFL. However, this is another reminder of what the NFL really means for players who are inconsistent or unavailable:
Not For Long
As in it won’t be long until they’re looking for employment elsewhere.
Last season, while Becton was sidelined due to injury, George Fant stepped up for the Jets at the left tackle position — and excelled. With enough reason for the coaches to justify Fant as the starter heading into training camp, later this summer, Becton will need to compete for getting back his job or move to another position — on the right side of the offensive line.
This is another storyline in training camp, much like Kadarius Toney with the Giants, worth keeping an eye on.
For Becton, at just 23 years old, he’s at an early crossroads in his football career. It’s a tough hand to play for anyone when it comes to injuries derailing their career. The Jets, as indicated from the respective comments of Saleh and LaFleur, are focusing on Becton’s effort and mindset. Those are areas of the game where Becton holds all the cards.
Image: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
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