Jets' Becton on mend and making slow return to field
The Jets' Mekhi Becton participates in drills during OTAs at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. on Tuesday. Credit: Noah K. Murray
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — A big presence and important piece returned to the Jets.
Mekhi Becton was on the field for the Jets’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday after skipping voluntary offseason workouts.
The 6-7 left tackle is still recovering from a dislocated kneecap that he suffered in Week 1 last year. Becton worked on a side field with trainers and members of the performance staff, doing agility drills and some jogging.
Becton, who became a first-time father recently, remained in Dallas working out while the Jets held voluntary OTAs. Robert Saleh said the Jets were in contact with Becton and it was more important that he was home with his newborn son and fiancee.
The Jets drafted Becton with the No. 11 pick in 2020 to be their franchise left tackle. When he returns for training camp at the end of July, he will be battling George Fant for the job. Fant played well at left tackle after replacing Becton last season.
Becton’s weight has been a cause for concern. But Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said Becton “looks good” and he can help the Jets when he’s healthy whichever side he’s playing.
“He’s a very large man that is hard to run around in the pass game and for being such a big man he’s got such a great first step to get on players and move them in the run game,” LaFleur said. “In our scheme or another scheme, he’s got the talent because of that elite, God-given size and strength that he has. The thing for Mekhi is to put himself in the best situation going forward.”
Big year for Q
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has “very high expectations” for Quinnen Williams this season. Ulbrich believes Williams was playing catch-up last year after he broke his foot in the spring and missed OTAs and training camp. Williams has been a full participant during OTAs and Ulbrich can’t wait to see the results of a full offseason of work.
“He’s going to places that he hasn’t gone to in the past regarding the way he works on a daily basis,” Ulbrich said. “The sky is absolutely the limit for this man. Like, I can’t wait to see what he can do on Sundays.”
High on Ruckert
Tight ends coach Ron Middleton was “all excited” when the Jets drafted Lindenhurst product Jeremy Ruckert in the third round. Middleton said Ruckert is “a good, smart football player” with a “a very high football IQ.”
“You love being around the kid,” Middleton said. “He talks football. He loves football. He understands football. He’s a physical player with athleticism. The sky’s the limit for this guy. He’s going to work at it.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
