Jets head coach Robert Saleh has seemingly changed his tone in a big way when it comes to left tackle Mekhi Becton, who missed nearly all of his sophomore season with a knee injury.
Saleh had discussed the importance of the upcoming offseason for Becton, but consistently talked up his potential and downplayed a potential “injury prone” label for the former first-round pick, who has now missed 18 games in his two-year career, while appearing in 15. But Saleh appears to have changed his outlook, making it clear on Tuesday that Becton will have to earn his starting spot back after George Fant shined in his place this past season.
“It is a big offseason for him in the sense of he’s got to be able to put it together in OTAs and in training camp and give himself a chance for the season,” Saleh said after he and the Jets coaching staff concluded a practice for the Senior Bowl. “So we’re excited about Mekhi and the direction he’s going, we’re super excited about George.”
Becton was injured in Week 1, and Saleh continued to hold out hope that former 11th overall pick would return, but eventually, he relented that Becton’s season was over “barring a miracle.” Now, it seems like Becton will need some good fortune to get his starting job back from Fant.
“It’s one of those deals,” Saleh said. “George Fant stepped in at that left tackle spot, did a wonderful job. he’s earned the right to be part of that discussion at left tackle. I’ve told George he’s got a chance to maintain that position and it’s the same thing for Mekhi. He’s got to come in and gotta reassert himself into the starting lineup.
“I think Mekhi has the skillset to do whatever he wants. He’s just got to put his mind to it.”
The Jets would like to see Becton stay committed to his conditioning, after he arrived at training camp weighing more than 370 pounds. General manager Joe Douglas said after the season that the team would like to see Becton return “in the best possible shape” next season. Even if he does, it sounds like his job is no longer a given like it was after his rookie campaign.
“It would be a disservice to George and the work that he’s put in and the things that he was able to do this year to just tell George that he can’t compete for that job,” Saleh said. “So, like I said, a great problem. We’re kind of spoiled in that regard that we’ve got two really, really good tackles.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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