As the New York Jets prepare to make their first-round picks in less than a week, Friday marked a special anniversary for Mekhi Becton.
All eyes in the metropolitan eyes are on the second overall pick in Thursday’s NFL draft opener (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN/NFL Network). It’s a pick held by the New York Jets and one that will undoubtedly shape the immediate future of the franchise.
But first comes a time of reflection, as a current cornerstone commemorated the first time he donned green.
Friday marked the one-year anniversary of Mekhi Becton‘s drafting, the day the Jets chose the Louisville offensive tackle with the 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft. Becton became the first blocker chosen by the Jets in the opening round since D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold went early in 2006.
In celebration, the Jets posted video of Becton receiving the fateful call from general manager Joe Douglas this time last year. With the draft confined to all-virtual surroundings at the onset of the ongoing health crisis, Becton was surrounded by his family when he found out he was going to be a Jet.
The reminder of the joyous moment prompted an affectionate tweet from Becton.
Blessed to be apart of this organization! Excited for the things ahead! Thank y’all! A call I’ll NEVER forget! https://t.co/JtLj2L1zub
— Trending Topic 🤷🏾♂️ (@BigTicket73) April 23, 2021
“Blessed to be a part of this organization!” Becton said. “Excited for the things ahead! Thank y’all! A call I’ll NEVER forget!” [sic]
Douglas passed on some elite receiving names to give Becton a green jersey, but the former Cardinal made sure he was well worth the risk. He became an instant staple on a New York offensive line racked with turnover thanks to injuries and inconsistency and was at or near the top of several analytical charts amongst league blockers.
Becton is expected to continue to play a major role in the Jets’ offense next season, especially with a rookie quarterback presumably coming in with the aforementioned second choice.
The Jets also own the 23rd pick in the Thursday portion, holding multiple first-round choices for the first time since 2013.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
