Free from the PUP list, two of the Jets’ most vital blockers appear to be free from any lingering drama as well
When it came to the question of having either Mekhi Becton or George Fant in the New York Jets‘ starting lineup, head coach Robert Saleh posted his own query…
Why not both?
Saleh spent the first statements of his second training camp at the helm of the Jets dispelling the notion of a positional battle between Becton and Fant. He remarked that Fant will retain the position of left tackle he assumed upon Becton’s knee injury in last season’s opening week loss in Carolina.
Becton, the 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft, will instead be moved to the right side as he works his way back from the ailment that kept him out for the remainder of the season.
Saleh said that Mekhi Becton is going to be the Jets’ right tackle this season. George Fant will be the LT. #Jets
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) July 27, 2022
Per Andy Vazquez, Saleh remarked that the decision was “best for the team” and a way to reward Fant for his strong efforts in substitution.
Saleh said the LT/RT decision was “best for the team” this season bc of Fant’s strong year at LT last year. They didn’t want Fant and Becton switching back and forth during camp. Fant is also much more comfy at LT. Says Becton’s days at LT aren’t over, but for this year it’s RT.
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) July 27, 2022
Each blocker arrived in Florham Park on the Physically Unable to Perform list but was activated shortly after passing physicals as players arrived for camp.
Becton’s metropolitan fate has been debated all offseason, especially in the wake of reported rumors that he was overweight. As if Becton’s noticeably fitter appearance wasn’t enough of a retraction, Saleh indirectly combated these rumors as well: per Dennis Waszak, the head coach praised Becton for “(getting) himself into football shape”.
Saleh won’t go into specifics about weight, but says Becton “got himself into football shape.” #Jets are happy with where Becton is after working with trainers, etc.
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) July 27, 2022
Saleh added that Becton was in the Jets’ training facility in Florham Park every day leading up to the draft with the exception of a week off to celebrate Independence Day.
Saleh also clarified that while Fant, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks, had earned the right to protect Zach Wilson’s blind side, Becton’s days at left tackle “aren’t over”.
Saleh said Mekhi Becton’s left tackle days “aren’t over”
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) July 27, 2022
Thus solves one of the Jets’ most pressing conundrums of training camp and offers Becton a sizable, important role in the Jets’ offensive plans moving forward.
After years of negligence in the Mike Maccagnan era, the Jets appear to be forming a well-fostered offensive line, one that adds Laken Tomlinson to the fold from San Francisco. Alijah Vera-Tucker is expected to work next to Becton at right guard while Connor McGovern returns for his third year as the primary center.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
I absolutely love that the staff acted decisively and eliminated any opportunity for continued drama and distraction. This will give both players more reps Time will tell if it stays this way, but for now I think it’s best.
Hopefully Fant’s 2021 wasn’t a fluke season and the PEDESTRIAN pass rush he faced last year wasn’t the primary reason he performed so well. Or else he’s going to get Wilson injured Week 1.