The New York Jets Mekhi Becton is battling for a starting spot. The first-round pick from 2020 has only played in a handful of games due to injury. With high expectations coming into the season, the Jets are wanting the best players to play. In the initial depth chart, Becton was not listed as a starter. He is looking to change that by treating the preseason differently.
New York Jets Mekhi Becton Treating Preseason Differently
Head coach Robert Saleh said that Becton would play between 20-25 snaps on Thursday. Becton is treating this game like a regular game.
“I’m definitely treating this as if it’s a regular game like for sure — I don’t even care if it’s preseason or whenever. I’m definitely treating this like it’s a regular game.”
Becton has to take this attitude if he is going to usurp one of the starting tackles. The Jets seem to be favoring veterans in the initial depth chart showing more trust in past production rather than potential.
Protecting The Greatest Asset
The line isn’t just protecting any quarterback. They are protecting Aaron Rodgers. The future Hall of Fame quarterback is known for holding onto the ball and letting the play develop. They need the line to hold. Rodgers also has somewhat of an injury history and at age 39 cannot take hit after hit. Becton is correct in his assessment that the best players will play. Gone is the time for development and working through growing pains. The team needs their line to be good now. Becton is eager to show what he can do.
Will Mekhi Becton start for the New York Jets in week 1? How he looks on Thursday and throughout the preseason could determine how much playing time he gets in the regular season.