Jets Take T Mekhi Becton with 11th Overall Pick of 2020 Draft

By Phil Sullivan Posted On April 23, 2020

General Manager Joe Douglas is a former offensive lineman who took over a team that neglected the offensive line for years. His priority throughout free agency has been upgrading the line and that trend continued in the first round of the NFL draft. With the #11 overall pick they selected offensive tackle Mekhi Becton of Louisville.

Becton is 6’7″ and 364 pounds, so he certainly doesn’t lack much in size. Speed isn’t an issue as he impressed at the combine by running a 5.1 second 40 yard dash.

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

Here is Becton’s draft profile from NFL.com.

Strengths

Absolute giant with dense, proportional frame
Possesses rare 7-foot wingspan
Booming upper-body power blasts kick-out targets off their feet
Athletic enough to make his outside zone blocks
Fits up and runs feet to wash away defenders on lateral blocks
Potential to mash what’s in front with more work
Mass can finish what the technique doesn’t
Inside-out pass sets are well-balanced and smooth
Well-positioned to chunk hands during slide
Squeezes down to guard’s hip when outside rush vacates
Adequate redirect to protect inside post
Long arms allow for emergency recovery
Well-positioned to chunk hands during pass set

Weaknesses

Weight could become a major issue without discipline
Opens outside half too early in pass sets
Throws himself off-balance when loading up punch
Natural quickness limitations require above-average awareness of blitz/twists
Unable to respond timely to cross-face stunts
High hands diminish leverage at point of attack
Needs better patience/control as positional blocker
Allows himself to work too far ahead of the landmark
Needs to get length involved in the block sooner
Needs to cinch and control rather than shoving down blocks/kick-outs

This Article Was Written By Phil Sullivan

Phil Sullivan

I started JetNation in 2005 and have been a New York Jets season ticket holder since graduating from high school. My dream is to see the New York Jets win the Super Bowl. Until then, I will be right here on JetNation writing, dreaming and talking NY Jets football.