Mekhi Becton responds to the noise
Since the moment he was selected by the New York Jets with the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Mekhi Becton‘s weight has been a hot topic of discussion among Jets fans and media.
Some of that talk has been warranted and some of it has been overblown. Either way, you can rest assured that Becton – one of the NFL’s most active players on social media – has seen and heard it all.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Rich Cimini published an article discussing some of the most important questions facing the Jets as they head into training camp. One section of the article was titled, “Will mammoth left tackle Mekhi Becton be a star or eat himself into mediocrity?”
A fan on Twitter screenshotted the headline and tagged Becton. The Louisville product promptly gave a charmingly sarcastic response.
Definitely eating myself into mediocrity 😂🤡 https://t.co/yswnIrVWFG
— Trending Topic 🤫 (@BigTicket73) July 28, 2021
“Definitely eating myself into mediocrity,” Becton responds.
Becton was listed at 364 pounds going into his rookie season. He reportedly neared the 380-pound mark near the end of the year, which, according to reports, drew disciplinary action from the team.
After dealing with a foot injury in early June that held him out of OTAs, Becton is fully healed and ready to go for training camp. He fully participated in the Jets’ first practice of camp on Wednesday.
Becton answered some questions about his weight after he reported for camp on Tuesday. He says he is at his target weight but did not reveal exactly what that number is.
Mekhi Becton says he is ready to practice. His foot is fine. Also said he hit his goal weight but won’t disclose what that is. pic.twitter.com/xyl3Oh53u9
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) July 27, 2021
The 22-year-old native of Highland Springs, VA is looking to build on a strong finish to his rookie year. From Weeks 11-17 of the 2020 season, Becton ranked ninth among left tackles in Pro Football Focus’ pass blocking grade (78.3) and 10th in PFF’s run-blocking grade (72.4).
He was one of just six left tackles to rank top 10 in both categories over that span – including the only rookie.
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Becton dedicated to his craft , has heard this weight stuff all his life, has to be frustrating. Believe in Mekhi.