Post Unwanted Position Shift Mekhi Becton Is Vying To Be On The Jets’ Offensive Line
The first New York Jets training camp workout is in the books, which means it’s time to exaggerate every nugget of information that comes out of Florham Park.
Jets’ Mekhi Becton Is Vying To Be On The Offensive Line, Post Unwanted Position-Shift
The make-up of the offensive line in front of Aaron Rodgers was one of the most important lessons learned during the Jets’ first camp workout.
left tackle expected to start Duane Brown was not seen during practice (Brown had a personal day, according to Robert Saleh). At the left tackle, Billy Turner and Mekhi Becton alternated. Max Mitchell positioned himself in the proper tackle position.
Mekhi Becton is doing actual blocking drills against someone on the 1st day of #JetsCamp 💪🏾
Great to see it#Jets | [🎥 @ZackBlatt]
pic.twitter.com/xwD7YxZ64T— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) July 20, 2023
Mekhi Becton, who formerly weighed more than 400 pounds, has subsequently slimmed down thanks to the fierce competition and his dedication in the gym. The 24-year-old was reported to weigh 342 pounds by ESPN back in May as he entered a crucial contract year with the Jets.
The Big Ticket 🎟️ Mekhi Becton has arrived for camp. pic.twitter.com/XFycZb5KEN
— J. Gray (@JGrayJets) July 19, 2023
Becton is in the mix at both bookends despite only appearing in one game each of the previous two injury-riddled seasons. However, just because he was a former first-round draft selection does not automatically put him ahead of Duane Brown, Billy Turner, or Max Mitchell on a merit-based depth chart.
“He’s full-steam [ahead],” head coach Robert Saleh said. “He’s done a great job this offseason in terms of getting his weight down. He looks awesome, and he’s moving around really well.
A slim, trim Mekhi Becton ready to roll.
Fan yells: “Lookin’ good, Mekhi!”
Becton gives a big thumbs up. #Jets pic.twitter.com/AlzVXocegs— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) July 20, 2023
He is fully engaged in the competition and in a good mental state.
Although pass-rush skirmishes might be treated with a grain of salt before the pads are put on, Becton was reportedly defeated by Bryce Huff for a would-be fast sack on Wilson. The defensive linemen are far better off without pads.
On his right knee, Becton had a brace on. The new father also affixed a “Sr.” to the back of his shirt, and he seemed to be in good form.
Mekhi Becton really able to swing those legs up, including his RIGHT LEG 👀
Looks to be in no discomfort or have no limitations doing so#Jets | #TakeFlight | 🎥 @jetswhispers
pic.twitter.com/pecozKUF8R— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) July 21, 2023
“The good thing about this is we’ve got five tackles that we feel really excited about to compete for two spots,” Saleh said. “And we’ve got three centers that we’re really excited about competing for that one spot. I think through that competition, guys are going to get a lot better. … The easiest way to motivate a player is through competition, right?”
Mekhi Becton looks as good as I’ve seen him since #Jets drafted him. The fact he’s not on PUP to start is huge, too pic.twitter.com/zapgmvIIDh
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) July 20, 2023
Becton made it obvious in the summer that he wants to play left tackle, and he allegedly blames the Jets for shifting him to right tackle last offseason, leaving him more vulnerable to recurring injuries to his right leg.
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