Mekhi Becton was the top player on the Jets’ board when Joe Douglas made the Louisville tackle the 11th pick in the 2020 draft.
Douglas took Becton after worrying that the top four offensive tackles would be gone with the first 10 picks. However, once the Cardinals didn’t take a tackle, Douglas knew the Jets would have at least one available to them. And so, Becton became Douglas’ first pick as a general manager.
“We’re so excited to add a guy this size and athletic ability, Douglas said. “A guy we feel can fortify our front for the long term.”
Douglas added that he loves Becton’s 6-foot-7, 364-pound frame and ability to “move people off the ball.” He also called Becton’s 5.10-second 40-yard dash time “eye-opening.”
Douglas’ assistant GM, Rex Hogan, also took note of Becton’s ability to keep players away from the quarterback. “The guy moves people like furniture,” Hogan said.
Adam Gase chimed in as well, explaining how Becton’s going to bring in some intensity to the offensive line.
“He brings an edge for us,” Gase said. “He brings nasty to our offensive line room.”
Becton is a scary dude at his size. He’ll have to get his weight down slightly, but not many players will get past him his massive build. Meanwhile, the Jets can slide him in a left tackle or right tackle.
Clearly, everyone on One Jets Drive is thrilled with the Becton pick. They knew all along that they needed to do everything in their power to protect Sam Darnold. Douglas started that process by signing multiple offensive linemen in free agency and continued it in the first round of the draft with the Becton pick.
Now, he has to find the quarterback some weapons.