Jets' Mekhi Becton Ranked Sixth-Best Offensive Tackle in NFL

New York Jets left tackle Mekhi Becton was ranked as the sixth best offensive tackle in the NFL in a survey of players, coaches and executives this offseason

Max Goodman | Jul 11, 2021

Mekhi Becton is far more than just the future of the Jets' offensive line. He's one of the best left tackles in the National Football League.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler surveyed more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players, rating the top 10 players at 11 different positions this offseason. In his latest set of rankings, singling out the best linemen, Becton was listed toward the top.

Here's Fowler on Becton, the sixth-best offensive tackle in pro football:

Becton is the classic eye-test guy. Watch him move and become a believer.

"He's generational in terms of athleticism and size," an NFC exec said of the second-year tackle. "Very rare."

The 6-foot-7 Becton's blocking numbers weren't eye-popping last season. His 83.8% pass block win rate ranked 49th among tackles, but he battled through a chest injury as a rookie, and the Jets were a bad team. He ranked 16th in run block win rate (76%).

There is some projection from voters here, but it's clear that only injuries would stop him from improving those totals.

"Hall of Fame traits," said an AFC scout.

That's high praise for a player that has only 14 games in the NFL under his belt.

The former first-rounder has battled some injuries thus far in his NFL career—missing time during his rookie year and sitting out during OTAs this offseason with a foot injury—but when he's healthy, he's a threat to shut down the best defensive linemen in the game.

San Francisco's Trent Williams was ranked in the top spot, according to Fowler. To make matters more impressive for Becton, however, each of the five lineman listed above him were rated seventh or higher in last year's poll.

In fact, Becton was ranked as high as second overall by one of the individuals Fowler talked to for this story.

Long story short, Becton's peers, those analyzing his development as well as opposing executives all recognize the potential this behemoth has at this level. The next step is for Becton to evolve even further in 2021, lining up alongside rookie Alijah Vera-Tucker and veteran Morgan Moses on an improved offensive line in green and white.

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Published Jul 11, 2021

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.