Standing behind a microphone wearing a shirt containing the words “Big Bust,” “Lazy,” “Out of shape,” and “Overweight,” Mekhi Becton told reporters that it was those doubters who held those ideas of the former first-round pick who will be regretting it after this season.
“Yeah, and I don’t understand why,” Becton said when asked if he felt people were doubting his ability to play in the NFL. “It’s all good though. I'm going to make them eat their words.”
Questions have surfaced when it comes to Becton, who the Jets wanted to see in better shape before the start of last season, before he injured his knee in Week 1 and surprisingly missed the rest of the year after being expected to miss a few weeks. Becton then didn’t report to voluntary workouts, and upon arriving to mandatory minicamp this week, head coach Robert Saleh wouldn’t comment on Becton’s weight, simply saying that a player of Becton’s size is hard to keep at one weight, but it’s important that the offensive lineman works to accomplish that.
As for his weight and his knee, Becton says he is feeling good and ready to compete.
“Good. I’m feeling good physically,” Becton said. “Ready to go out there and play.”
Becton put together a promising rookie season before weight and health concerns led to George Fant rising up the Jets ranks, and some wonder if Becton even has a regular starting role on the offensive line.
But for Becton, those doubts are nothing more than extra phrases to add to his custom t-shirts.
“It just adds fuel to the fire,” Becton said. “That’s all it does.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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