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Mekhi Becton

Summary

Drafted: Round 1, 11th overall (2020 NFL Draft) by the New York Jets.
College: Louisville (left tackle starter).
Key college / NFL notes: standout 6'7", ~365-370 lb prospect at Louisville with elite initial burst for his size; played 13 starts in 2019 before declaring for the draft. NFL career has been a mix of highs and lengthy injury recovery: promising rookie year in 2020, significant knee/leg injuries (including cartilage and kneecap issues) that cost him time in 2021–2022, a return to starting in 2023, then signing moves that included a 2024 one-year deal with Philadelphia and later free-agent movement. He’s shown the athletic traits teams covet in a book-end lineman but carries a notable injury history. Reuters

Strengths

  • Rare size + length — 6'7" frame with enormous wingspan gives him natural reach to control defenders and cut off rush angles. Sports Reference

  • Surprising athleticism for size — Early scouting noted quick, nimble feet and impressive ability to move laterally for a 360+-lb tackle. New York Jets

  • Explosive initial burst — Fires off the snap with power and can get movement in the run game or penetrate on pull/zone concepts.

  • Pass-set potential (when healthy) — Shows the length and punch to mirror many NFL edge rushers when fundamentals are sound. NFL.com

  • Mental toughness / resiliency — Has battled back from several surgeries and long layoffs, showing professional approach to rehab and return.

Weaknesses

  • Significant injury history — Multiple knee surgeries and other issues (cartilage, avulsion fracture of kneecap, concussions later) have limited continuity and availability. Injury risk is the most important concern for his projection.

  • Pad-level & leverage sometimes inconsistent — At extreme height, maintaining a consistent low pad level can be a problem vs bull rushers; leverage needs constant coaching.

  • Power anchor variance — Against heavy bull rushes some reps show he can be moved off the spot without ideal anchor, especially when strength or balance is taxed.

  • Availability-dependent upside — His long-term upside is high only if durability and conditioning issues are solved; otherwise he profiles as an inconsistent starter.

Fit & Outlook

Mekhi Becton is a boom-or-bust offensive tackle with left-tackle upside when fully healthy. Best fit: teams that can manage his workload, emphasize technical coaching (pad level, hand placement), and give him time to play into his strengths (zone-friendly runs, slide protection where his length helps). If he stays on the field and adds consistent strength and leverage, he can be a plus blindside protector; if injuries persist, he may settle into a high-value swing tackle/guard role where his athleticism can be used in sub-packages. His career trajectory is binary — excellent ceiling (franchise tackle traits) but real risk tied to his medical history and ability to remain available. New York Jets