The New York Jets had high hopes for offensive tackle Mekhi Becton when they selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
After all, he was First-Team All-ACC for the Louisville Cardinals in 2019.
The Virginia native also won the Jacobs Blocking Award as one of the dominating tackles in college football.
But while he showed some promise, his pro career has been dogged by injuries so far.
Last season, he suffered cartilage damage on his knee, forcing him to undergo surgery that put him out of action for four to six weeks.
In total, Becton has played only 15 games in two seasons which isn’t a sign of durability.
However, he had a message for his naysayers during a recent press conference.
"I'm gonna make 'em eat their words."
– Mekhi Becton (while wearing a shirt that reads "BIG BUST") on people doubting him
via @snyjets pic.twitter.com/h10tmIovWs
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) June 15, 2022
Becton wore a blue shirt that said “Big Bust” while fielding questions from the media.
The design was a sideswipe to his critics who see him as a wasted first-rounder.
The reporter asked, “Do you feel like people have written you off already?”
He responded, “Yeah, I don’t understand why. But it’s all good, though. I’m gonna make them eat ’em words.”
With that statement, his doubters will pay closer attention to his performance in the 2022 season.
Becton Should Have Adjusted To The Game
Two years into his career and Becton should have been a solid performer for the Jets already.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case and the franchise hopes that it’s just a case of delayed development.
If he wants to prove his critics wrong, he must first play a full season.
He missed two games in 2020 and 17 last year.
Likewise, losing weight will help his mobility as he puts a buffer between their quarterback and opposing pass rushers.
Otherwise, he will eat his bold claim of keeping his critics quiet.
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