Mekhi Becton was added by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. He will play his third season with the Jets at 23 years old. At the moment, one of the bigger questions entering training camp for the Jets is whether or not it will be Becton or George Fant at left tackle. Either way, few Jets have more at stake than Becton in 2022.
Brief review of 2021:
The 2021 season was a tough one for Becton. He played just 48 snaps in his second year after a tough knee injury in Week 1. There was an expectation that he could make it back at a later point in the season. Ultimately, he needed more time to recover than anticipated. Luckily, for the Jets offense, Fant filled in exceptionally well, and the Morgan Moses signing last summer could not pay bigger dividends for the Jets in Becton’s absence.
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Skill set:
Becton has a special combination of size, physicality, and athleticism. He can move incredibly well for someone at 6-foot-7 with 35 5/8″ arm length. He posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.85 in 2020 throughout the pre-draft process. His foot speed makes him unique for a bigger player. Becton is a tough, mauling presence in the running game. With his imposing size, he uses it and naturally has the power on the edge as a pass blocker.
Projected role and 2022 expectations:
Whether Becton ends up at left or right tackle remains to be seen. Regardless, this year is a crucial one for Becton, and he needs to make his impact felt. Being available for all 17 games or at least most of the season is where it starts. As great as his rookie year was, he still missed time every now and then. He only played 691 snaps over 13 starts in 2020.
Considering Becton will either be next to Laken Tomlinson or Alijah Vera-Tucker, the ground game on that side of the offensive line should be strong. Giving Zach Wilson time slowing down premier pass rushers on the outside will be key for Becton. Showing improvement from his seven sacks allowed and seven penalties committed in 2020 will be important for Becton’s growth.
Final preview thoughts:
There may not be a more polarizing player than Becton entering 2022 for the Jets. He has tremendous potential and needs to showcase it consistently throughout the season. Becton has a Pro Bowl caliber skill set. Now, staying on the field to live up to his ability will be everything. Becton needs to have a good season in 2022 and ultimately should. If he does, it would go a long way for this new-look Jets offense that is poised to improve. Becton is still such a young player at a premium position and can prove himself to be a long-term player for the Jets this year.