2 min read • July 13, 2022
Posted in
The first two seasons for former No. 11 overall pick Mekhi Becton have been disappointing. The Jets’ left tackle, who is now moving to right tackle, has struggled to stay healthy.
The 23 year old sprained his right MCL and dislocated his kneecap in Week 1 last season. He was initially expected to be back in four-to-five weeks, but he never returned to action.
Because of the injuries, the 6-foot-7-inch and 360-pound lineman has not been able to keep additional weight off. He has weighed as much as 380 pounds during his two years in the league.
For all of these reasons, our team of Pro Football Docs are not optimistic about Becton this season. With his weight struggles and right knee issues, he heads into this season with a 74 SIC score.
Our Docs explained Becton has loose bodies in his right knee from the injury, meaning chips of cartilage fell off and grew from there. Thus, he has arthritis in that knee. Becton is also knock-kneed — his knees tilt inward, making them more susceptible to injury.
As his right knee has weakened, the Jets will most likely be moving Becton to right tackle for this season. It is important the inside knee for a tackle is the strongest of the two to allow for him to push off and get to the outside edge with power. Becton’s knee issues would make that difficult.
However, moving from left tackle to right tackle is not that easy. Our panel of Docs compared it to having to instead make a right-handed lay up instead of a left. Both require a different inside, push-off leg.
Becton did appear at training camp in June though he did not participate in any team drills. At that time, coach Robert Saleh declined to provide any specifics about Becton’s current weight.
Our Docs expect Becton to be veteran-managed this season given his position change and lingering knee issues.
Written by
Mekhi Becton is at Jets minicamp:
