FLORHAM PARK N.J. New York Jets Take action Mekhi BectonThe nicknamed “Big Ticket” delivered a powerful message to his critics Wednesday.
At the end of two-day minicamp, he declared that “I’m gonna make them eat all their words.”
Becton has struggled with injuries and weight problems since his promising debut year in 2020. He seemed determined to change the narrative. His first media appearance since September saw him wearing a blue T shirt that said “Big Bust”
The list of negatives that were perceived around “Big Bust” included: Fat… Lazy… Out of Shape… Bum… Overweight … Injury Prone He said that he’s been called a lot of things throughout his life.
Becton is listed at 6’7″ and 363 lbs (his weight according to the 2020 scouting combined). He has a lot of work ahead of him in 2021, having missed 16 games last season because he had to have knee surgery.
Becton missed the voluntary offseason portion. His girlfriend had just delivered their first child in Texas. These were key questions about his knee and his general conditioning.
Robert Saleh and Becton did not disclose his exact weight. Saleh, who is usually a big fan of players in good shape, was not as enthusiastic about Becton. Although he wasn’t harsh, he did not go out of his ways to compliment Becton.
Saleh stated that Saleh still has 40 days before he can get ready to play football.
Becton’s weight ballooned to 400 last season but he didn’t seem concerned and stated that he’s happy with his current weight. He said that his knee is “getting better” after undergoing surgery. He didn’t need a brace, nor a sleeve while he was practicing with the performance team.
Saleh stated that Becton should practice as soon as training camp begins on July 27.
Saleh stated that he is fine structurally. “It’s just about him getting back into overall soccer movements, which is what he’s moving into.”
Becton has been kept under wraps by the Jets, although Saleh made a public plea for Saleh to join the voluntary exercises. According to his nutritionist, Becton was not overweight at last training camp. However, he was still in the 360s when he sustained his injury.
Saleh explained that Saleh’s weight fluctuated amazingly over the course of three days. “It’s fascinating.”
Becton was drafted 11th overall in 2020. He has only played eight complete games of 33, raising questions about his longevity. In the 2021 opener, he suffered a devastating knee injury that would end his season. Initially, the team called it an injury lasting six to eight weeks. However, he was never out of action for the remainder of the season, not until Week 17. People in the Becton camp were angered by this fluid timetable, and speculated that his injury was not serious.
Becton claimed that he tried returning, but hit a wall. I didn’t have the strength that I needed.”
Saleh, who declared that Becton had to be rehired from his previous job after the season, made headlines. George Fant, who did a great job at left tackle. Since then, the Jets are evasive about their plans for tackle and hint that Becton could move to right tackle. Becton indicated that he is open to a position shift and doesn’t mind competing.
He said, “It’s soccer.” “We will always compete regardless of what. “I’ll just have the courage to get my job back.”
The Jets could have drafted top tackle in the first round but chose to draft Fant and Becton instead. Fant, like Becton had an off-season knee operation and didn’t practice at minicamp. He is expected to attend training camp.
Saleh said that Becton was a “clearly, we all know of the talent he has — the size, athleticism and all of that,” Saleh said. “And he’s smart. … He can be transcendent if he takes care his business as we know it can.