FLORHAM PARK — Over the first two weeks of practice, the New York Jets have a glaring need along the offensive line. While the team has had to battle injuries and inconsistent play, it’s still early enough that the team can plug in necessary players to help limit the weakness currently on the line.
Being a part of the early stages of camp has also been important to some of the Jets’ linemen that haven’t had a lot of playing time over the last few years. The biggest example, of course, is Mekhi Becton. Becton hasn’t played a competitive football snap in a game in two years due to a myriad of knee injuries.
Finally healthy and on the practice field consistently, the Jets feel the left tackle has turned a corner over the last few days in Florham Park.
“Mekhi has had back-to-back really good practices. He’s been able to finish all the way through and get more confidence in his knee,” head coach Robert Saleh told AMNY after Monday’s practice.
New York may be pleased with what they’ve seen out of Becton over the last couple of days, but the team remains patient with his overall recovery back to the starting lineup. The former Louisville product has played only with the second-team offense.
He did, in fairness, have one of his best practices since the start of camp on Monday morning. Early in practice, he had a great base against speed rushers and his footwork looked solid. It was the type of start that New York could get excited about from their still-young tackle.
Even though he began to balance out as practice continued, Monday was a very encouraging sign that Becton was starting to get healthy and comfortable with his knee again. That doesn’t mean that the Jets are willing to throw him back in with the first team though.
“The big thing for him is to rather than rush to be a first teamer, let’s rush to see him get through a game, a practice, or week. There’s no denying his talent, so right now it’s just about building confidence, building strength, and endurance. Once that comes, then we’ll go back and see how he does against the 1s,” Saleh explained.
It’s not uncommon for NFL organizations to be patient with young players coming off difficult knee surgeries as Becton has had to deal with over the last few years. That being said, with the Jets declining his fifth-year option in the offseason, it’s incredibly important for his strides to continue to remain in New York or receive starting tackle money as many at his position have done.
There is also an issue where Becton has struggled with speed rushers throughout his young career. The former 11th overall pick may be improving in guarding those types of players, but it’s still an Achilles heel that NFL opponents will be all too happy to exploit.
The Jets don’t seem too concerned with the offensive line trouble they’ve had in recent days. With the investment they have in Aaron Rodgers and the talent all across the rest of the team, having an important weakness at such important positions could be the difference between a Super Bowl-caliber season to a mere playoff appearance.
Even if they don’t want to rush Becton into a starting role just yet, the team still seems to be pleased with what they’ve seen from the tackle they have been waiting to get healthy and break out.
“We have a long way to go with Mekhi but he’s taking the right steps,” Saleh concluded.
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