New York Jets start building the wall with Mekhi Becton (part 2) | Blewett’s Blitz Film Breakdown

Joe Douglas and the New York Jets officially start building a wall with Mekhi Becton and Blewett’s Blitz reviews the kid’s film.

Finally, the New York Jets have returned to fundamental team-building principles. For the first time since 2006, the organization selected a first-round offensive lineman.

Mekhi Becton is Sam Darnold‘s new left tackle and his presence is the first move in building a legitimate wall for the franchise quarterback. Today, Blewett’s Blitz breaks down the Virginia native’s Louisville film (30 plays).

***The clips come first with Blewett’s text analysis to follow. Only SUBSCRIBERS can view the entire article. 

***The FULL film breakdown in video form can be found at the bottom of this article (subscribers only) or on the Blewett’s Blitz homepage. A free preview can be found at the YouTube and Podcast episodes.

Louisville runs a lead outside zone. Becton takes a “zero” step with his left foot as he works towards the defensive end and then takes a big step with his inside foot. Becton gets his face crossed and then freezes as he looks back to the DE. Then he gets hands on the Mike backer.

I would’ve like to see either one of two things here. Ideally, Becton takes an “on step” here to gain ground horizontally and vertically, allowing himself to be more prepared for the DE AND not forcing such a big step with the right.

If not that, then I would’ve at least like to see Becton allow the DE to cross his face and be quicker to pick up the Sam backer, which would allow for a more defined/bigger gap for the running back with more time to read the backers.

Louisville runs iso, Becton just needs to seal the backside DE. Becton needs to work his angles better here, need to see him gain some ground vertically here to ensure that the DE won’t be able to scrape over top to get in on the play. Instead, he works horizontally allowing the DE to get overtop and almost get in on the play.

Vertical set from Becton here. He shows smoothness in his feet, good and even base, without too big of steps. Uses length as he gets his left on the rusher’s chest while maintaining good balance. Rusher continues up the arc, Becton does want to lean for contact and pulls his left away as rusher chops at it. Becton re-shoots and pushes up arc. Nice set.

Another vertical set from Becton as the RG-LT slide in their gap protection. Becton’s eyes check the linebacker while he stays tight to the left guard throwing out the drag hand. Becton frames the rusher well and shoots his hands (left-hand shoots high). Left doesn’t land but the right does jolting the rusher. Becton pulls hands, re-shoots, shutting down the rush.

While Becton is already solid in the run game he still needs work at it going into the NFL. Becton shows his tendency here to torque guy to the outside but still doesn’t have the best technique overall.

Few issues with this play. Bectons footwork at first would allow the DE to potentially cross his face again. Becton’s left hand is very high as it lands and then Becton torques but doesn’t maintain contact allowing the DE to get in on the play.

Needs to see Becton under more control here with both his feet and hands, grab and drive the DE out of the play.