Throughout the week in Indianapolis, there was one lineman who generated more buzz than any other, offense or defense. Louisville’s giant of a left tackle, Mekhi Becton, was at the forefront of many conversations in the media room, the bars and restaurants around downtown, and on radio appearances and podcasts emanating from the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.
And that was all before Becton worked out…
Friday afternoon’s athletic performance did nothing to quell the buzz. That’s what happens when a 6-foot-7, 370-pound man runs the 40-yard dash in 5.11 seconds. That time might be high compared to the wide receivers who ran Thursday night — most of them a little slower than expected — but it’s a crazy display.
6'7" and 364 lbs… OL Mekhi Becton just ran a 5.11u 40-yard dash! 👀
Becton is the No. 5 overall prospect. (via @MoveTheSticks) @UofLFootball
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: https://t.co/vDFxxNddNZ pic.twitter.com/5OOdrZAncl— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2020
Normally a player of his size wouldn’t fit for the Browns and the motion-heavy blocking scheme they figure to run under head coach Kevin Stefanski. But Becton’s college tape backs up that he has the agility and mobility he showed here. He’s definitely in the conversation for the Browns at the No. 10 overall pick…if he falls that far.