Some Risk But Plenty Of Potential Upside As New York Jets Select Mekhi Becton At No. 11 Overall

Say this about Joe Douglas—-the Jets general manager was not posturing when he said Monday on a conference call that he would not hold reports of a flagged drug test against Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton. 

Douglas and the New York Jets selected the 6-7, 364-pounder with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft Thursday, conducted from remote locations. Douglas continued his mission to better protect third-year quarterback Sam Darnold, whom the Jets are hoping will develop into a star. Plus, they are looking for a road grader for big-money running back Le’Veon Bell, who averaged a paltry 3.2 yards per carry last season. 

Douglas wouldn’t commit to whether the Jets plan to slot Becton at left tackle or right tackle. New York signed former Seattle Seahawk George Fant as a free agent in March and he projects as a left tackle. He is guaranteed $8.85 million this season. 

On Monday, Douglas was asked on a conference call if the flagged test would prevent him from drafting a player such as Becton. He indicated it would not, saying the team would dig deeper.

“As far as the test,” Douglas said, “we all make some mistakes in life. What you try to vet in situations like that is the timing of that mistake.”

Douglas said on a conference call after the selection of the player that he had a good phone conversation with Becton on Wednesday. Apparently that allayed any lingering doubts he might have had. He also indicated the team did its homework on Becton in terms of character. 

“A man that size isn’t supposed to be as nimble as he is,” Douglas said of Becton, who clocked a 5.1 40-yard dash at the Combine. “We’re so excited to add a guy with this size and athletic ability.”

“The guy moves people around like furniture,” assistant general manager Rex Hogan said. 

That unique combination of physical mass and quickness could make Becton into a dominant offensive lineman. That’s what the Jets are hoping for. The downside is that Becton must keep his weight under control.