New York Jets’ offensive lineman Mekhi Becton didn’t hold back his honest feelings about the team’s decision to try him at right tackle last year.
Becton was drafted 11th overall by the Jets in 2020. He fared well as a rookie but was limited to one game as a sophomore in 2021. Unfortunately, he had to miss the entire 2022 season because of a fractured right kneecap.
Speaking to Bob Glauber of Newsday, Becton expressed frustration over the Jets’ decision to use him at right tackle in training camp of last year. Becton even tried reasoning with coaches, but to no avail.
“It made no sense to put me at right tackle. I hurt my right knee. That’s going to be the knee that I put the most pressure on. I explained it (to coaches), but no one cared.”
The full transcription of his comments are available in the tweet below:
Many expected the Jets to draft an offensive tackle in round one after completing a trade for four-time MVP and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But in a bit of a surprise, they took Iowa State defensive tackle Will McDonald IV.
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The Jets will rely on Becton and soon-to-be 38-year-old veteran Duane Brown to protect Rodgers on the edges. Veteran Connor McGovern is atop the depth chart for centers, with 2021 first-rounder Alijah Vera-Tucker and veteran Laken Tomlinson rounding out the guard positions.
New York has the longest active NFL playoff drought, having last qualified in the 2020 season. With a future Hall of Famer in Rodgers leading the offense, expectations are higher than ever in Gotham.
Of course, the play of the offensive line will go a long way in deciding how far the Jets can go in 2023.
