Robert Saleh beseeches Mekhi Becton to join Jets' voluntary workouts
Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. on Aug. 11. Credit: Noah K. Murray
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Robert Saleh made a plea for Mekhi Becton to join the Jets for their voluntary workouts.
Saleh looked directly into the camera as if he was speaking directly to Becton, who has been working out in Dallas as he awaits the birth of his first child.
“We’d love you back here, buddy,” Saleh said. “We’ll take care of you. No, I know he’s working.”
Becton played just one game last season after fracturing his kneecap in Week 1. The big offensive tackle was originally supposed to be out 4-8 weeks, but he ended up missing the remainder of the season.
This is an important offseason for the 6-7 Becton, who reportedly weighed more than 400 pounds last season. The Jets want to see Becton come back in better shape. The team will be on the field for the first time on Monday. Their OTAs officially get underway on May 23 with mandatory mini-camp in June.
“Well, you want all your guys to be here,” Saleh said. “It’s voluntary. I know he’s working his tail off in Dallas. We have tabs on him. We know exactly what he’s doing. We know where he is within his rehab.”
The Jets drafted Becton in 2020 to play left tackle
It’s possible Becton will slide over from left tackle to right tackle this season.
George Fant filled in at left tackle last year and played well. Fant said he considers himself a natural left tackle and he would like to keep the job. Saleh said the two would compete for the job, but it sounds like it’s Fant’s to lose.
“It’s a matter of just finding what’s best for the organization in terms of if George is comfortable on that left and Mekhi can get back here healthy and can he show he has the versatility?” Saleh said.
“We’ll see as soon as we can get him back here and he’s healthy and he’s ready to roll and he’s out on the football field and getting all the individual work. We’ll know pretty quick.”
Strong Island
TE Jeremy Ruckert became the latest Long Island product to land on the Jets’ roster when they drafted him in the third round. The Lindenhurst native joins guard Greg Van Roten (Rockville Centre/Long Beach), safety Elijah Riley (Port Jefferson) and offensive tackle Greg Senat (Elmont). Guard Dan Feeney is an adopted Long Islander after becoming a fan favorite for chugging beers and smashing cans on his head during the Islanders’ playoff run two years ago.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
