A 12 months in the past, Mekhi Becton‘s future was cloudy.
The former first-round pick was headed to free agency following an injury-plagued four seasons with the Jets.
Fast forward 12 months later, Becton is preparing to play in the biggest game of his football career.
The Eagles will play in Super Bowl LIX this week after winning the NFC Championship against the Commanders and Becton played a significant role in helping Philadelphia reach the Big Game. He was a significant reason the Eagles finished in the NFL in rushing this season (179.3).
He also helped Saquon Barkley, who also left New York for Philadelphia, to the franchise season-single rushing record (2,005).
“I had a feeling I would be in this spot because I deserve to be in this spot,” Becton said after the NFC Championship via NJ.com. “I worked too hard. I knew I wouldn’t stick with the Jets for my entire profession.”
Becton, 25, has lastly reached the potential many noticed when he entered the 2020 NFL Draft. He was chosen eleventh total and was anticipated to be the Jets cornerstone sort out for the following decade.
After a strong rookie season wherein he began 13 video games at left sort out, Becton endured back-to-back seasons that had been worn out resulting from harm. Within the 2021 season opener in opposition to the Panthers, Becton suffered a proper knee harm and missed the remainder of the 12 months following a surgical process. Throughout his time away due to harm, Becton’s weight climbed to 400 kilos and the Jets expressed concern.
Becton returned in time for the 2022 coaching camp, however he reinjured his proper knee in follow and missed the remainder of that season. He finally blamed Jets coaches for transferring him from left to proper sort out, which, in keeping with Becton, put extra stress on his proper knee. Becton additionally stated he didn’t obtain the proper surgical procedure the primary time he suffered the harm in 2021.
As an alternative of gaining weight this time, Becton refocused on his conditioning, misplaced over 50 kilos, and reported to coaching camp in 2023 in one of the best form of his soccer profession. He additionally received the Jets proper sort out job after a strong coaching camp. Becton was moved to left sort out three video games into the 2023 season after Duane Brown suffered an harm two video games in.
Becton had his moments at his pure place, however he was not constant sufficient. He dedicated 12 penalties [second most in the NFL] and allowed 12.5 sacks, in keeping with Subsequent Gen Stats. Becton turned a free agent after the Jets declined his fifth-year choice within the spring of 2023.
The Jets are sometimes a low-hanging punching bag due to their futility, however it’s tough to criticize them for letting Becton stroll. He performed 30 video games in 4 seasons for the Jets. Along with his accidents, Becton additionally appeared to lack motivation and criticized followers on social media.
Becton says he didn’t obtain the identical assist from the Jets as he does from the Eagles.
“I’m the same player I’ve always been,” Becton stated. “It’s nothing different. I feel like if you give somebody support and uplift them — and not tear them down every day — they are going to go perform like they can.”
The Eagles signed Becton to a one-year, $2.75 million contract final April, a low-risk, high-reward signing on the time. After Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland instructed it, Becton was moved to protect, a place he by no means performed within the league till this season.
Becton turned that chance into successful story. In 903 snaps, he allowed simply three sacks and dedicated 4 penalties. Becton was ranked because the No. 18 ranked guard by Professional Soccer Focus.
Not solely did Becton obtain particular person success, paving the best way for Barkley’s 2,005-yard season, however he additionally helped the Eagles end with a 14-3 document and the NFC East title. Now, Becton is one sport away from profitable a Tremendous Bowl.
In the meantime, the Jets are coming off a 5-12 season wherein they fired coach Robert Saleh and basic supervisor Joe Douglas. With new coach Aaron Glenn and basic supervisor Darren Mougey, Gang Inexperienced will begin over once more in hopes of ending a 14-year playoff drought.
“It’s pretty funny to me that I’m where I’m at and they’re where they’re at,” Becton stated.
