Jets tackle Mekhi Becton has never been more excited to start training camp

New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton has a lot to prove this upcoming season. The former first-round pick out of Louisville had his fifth-year option declined earlier this month and will become a free agent in 2024.

That makes 2023 a pivotal year in determining Becton’s future. With training camp set to begin in about two months, he is eager to show what he worked on this offseason.

“This is the most excited I’ve ever been going into training camp,” Becton told Newsday.

The Jets selected Becton No. 11 overall in 2020. He started 13 of 14 games that season but struggled with injuries over the next two seasons, limiting him to just one game in that span.

Becton hurt his right knee in the 2021 opener, requiring season-ending surgery. He then injured the same knee early in training camp last summer, resulting in another surgery that ended his season.

Standing 6-foot-7, Becton weighed 364 pounds coming out of college. However, due to inactivity as a result of his injuries, he reached 400 pounds. Slimming down has been a big priority for Becton this offseason and he reportedly lost more than 50 pounds.

That has resulted in a boost in his confidence, and he expects big things this season.

“I don’t want to look too far ahead, but I definitely feel way more confident than I’ve felt these past three years,” Becton said. “I feel like we’re going to win a lot of games, have a lot of fun, and just the energy and vibe with the players at the facility is uplifting.”

NFL training camps are scheduled to begin in late July, so Becton has a couple more months to get himself ready as he hopes to compete for a starting job.

Jets coach Robert Saleh challenges Mekhi Becton to ‘earn’ starting left tackle job

Becton made it known with a tweet earlier this month that he wants to play left tackle, the same position he played in college.

“I. AM. A. LEFT. TACKLE!!!” he wrote.

Becton has since deleted the tweet, but not before many people saw it. Later that same day, Jets head coach Robert Saleh was asked for his thoughts on Saleh’s preferred position.

“Go earn the left tackle,” he said. “Competition.”

Becton would likely have to beat out Duane Brown to earn the left tackle position. At right tackle, he’ll have competition from Max Mitchell and Billy Turner. But no matter where he plays, he’ll have an important role in protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who joined the Jets this offseason and has fans dreaming big.

“He looks good,” Saleh said of Becton. “He looks fantastic, really. …Just find a way to get better every day. He’s attacking this offseason the right way, and I’m excited for him.”