Two months ago, in an article focused on the problems permeating through the New York Jets organization, Pro Football Network’s Chief Draft Analyst and NFL Insider Tony Pauline mentioned the franchise was not happy with 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton. Since then, Pauline has discovered the situation has gone from bad to worse. Now, the Jets have a decision to make.
The situation with Mekhi Becton is not getting better
During Wednesday’s edition of Pro Football Weekly, Pauline reported on what he’s hearing, including a possible split between the coaching staff and front office on Becton’s future with the team.
Pauline mentioned that he’s hearing Jets offensive coaches are done with Becton. They want to move forward with George Fant, a 2020 free agent signing. Fant has developed into a fine left tackle and New York’s most consistent offensive lineman.
“The coaches know what they are getting with Fant,” Pauline reported. “He shows up every day to practice and he’s ready to play every Sunday.”
Pauline pointed out Fant’s development has taken off since he’s lined up at left tackle to replace Becton.
“The constant shifting from left tackle to right tackle, both with the Jets and when he was with the Seattle Seahawks, really hurt Fant’s development,” Pauline said. “He’s an athletic guy and a natural left tackle.”
Criticisms that surrounded Becton throughout the years
Pauline reminded everyone of the criticisms of Becton that he first mentioned in his October article — Becton is known for tapping out. As Pauline said, “Becton taps out of practices, taps out of plays, and taps out of games.”
This possibly sets up an uncomfortable situation between the Jets coaching staff and the front office, led by general manager Joe Douglas.
Would the Jets move on from Becton?
Earlier this week, the Jets announced that barring a miracle, Becton won’t return this season. It’s also been reported that Becton — known as “Big Ticket” — has recently been tipping the scales at over 370 pounds.
If New York’s offensive coaches are ready to move on from Becton, will Douglas and the front office acquiesce?
Pauline points out, “If they move on from Becton, that means the first two picks Joe Douglas made as general manager of the Jets did not pan out for the team.”
Denzel Mims was the other player Pauline was referring to.
“Mims won’t be with the Jets in 2022,” Pauline said. “It would not be a good look for Douglas if the team rids themselves of both Mims and Becton after just two seasons.”