In the run-up to the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Jets are worried about their left tackle Mekhi Becton. The six-foot-two hoopster is pushing into unfamiliar territory on the scales.

Munich/New York City – There was really nothing but congratulations and high marks for the New York Jets after the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, securing the services of left tackle Mekhi Becton with the 11th pick.

“His combination of agility and strength allow him to be an outstanding tackle in the NFL,” Becton’s draft profile on the NFL’s website stated.

There is little sign of those attributes nearly two years later. At least if the rumours about his physical condition are true.

Because instead of a problem solver, the 23-year-old has now become a problem for the Jets himself. Not only did he miss almost the entire 2021 season due to injury, but on top of that, Becton is completely out of shape.

Question marks behind weight and playing ability

Because by now Becton is said to weigh about 400 pounds – the equivalent of about 181 kilograms. Even for his height of around two metres, that is far too much. There is no information about his exact weight. There is speculation. “Under 400 pounds,” his nutritionist tells “ESPN. “

“We’ve had good conversations with Mekhi and his medical staff,” Douglas continued. The 23-year-old hasn’t been seen at the Jets’ training facility in months, but the franchise is “well aware” of his condition. However, the distance between East Rutherford and Dallas, where the tackle is currently staying, casts doubt on whether this is really the case.

The exclamation point Becton was at the draft two years ago has literally become a fat question mark.

No more games for the Jets? Replacement in the draft would be ready

It’s not even certain if the 23-year-old will ever suit up for the Jets again. Because he can’t be as all-knowing and cool as Joe Douglas shows himself to be. Not with over 2,000 kilometres between the franchise and its one-time hopeful.

NFL insiders report that the Jets must have been looking very closely at the top offensive linemen in the current draft. Ikem Ekwonu in particular is said to have taken a shine to the New Yorkers, who can pick at number four and ten. But Evan Neal or Charles Cross are also possible candidates for the Jets.

When it came to the Jets’ OTAs, Becton was not to be seen. “They’re free agents, after all,” general manager Joe Douglas affirmed when asked about Becton, who was Douglas’ first first-round pick as the Jets’ GM. “Plus, his girlfriend and him are expecting a child,” he revealed.

However, even if Becton returns, his spot as a starter is far from assured, Head Coach Robert Saleh recently stated, “There will be an open competition between George Fant and Mekhi Becton for the Left Tackle position.” Fant already deputised for Becton in the 2021 season and earned a lot of praise for his performance.

End with the Jets would not be an end in the NFL

Inversely, for the loser of this open competition, there is only one other position left: the bench – or a departure.

There should be no shortage of trade prospects. A young, big offensive lineman with a lot of potential should make almost every team think twice, because O-linemen in particular are as rare as they are essential in the NFL.

Whether the Jets would get back the first-round pick they invested two years ago is questionable.

But if the compensation is right, New York will probably think twice before continuing to rely on Becton.