Becton, ranked No. 11 overall in 2020 as a left tackle prospect, played right tackle in practice and will remain there for the rest of the season, coach Robert Saleh announced. The turnaround had been rumored since the end of last season, in large part because George Fant, who replaced the injured Becton in 2021, played so well at left tackle. Now it’s official. “George feels much more comfortable on the left side,” Saleh said after the first training session. “He’s got the athleticism to play on the left side, and so has Becton. It was just a better combination.” 2 Related The Jets played down the importance of the switch, but there’s no doubt that left tackle is a more prestigious and higher-paying position than right tackle. Saleh said “that doesn’t mean Mekhi’s left tackle days are over,” but it does mean the team made the move so quickly without competition. Becton took it in stride, claiming he wasn’t focused on prestige or money. “Whether it’s left or right, I don’t really care as long as I’m on the field,” said Becton, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1. Becton’s status was murky in minicamp due to his conditioning. After skipping the voluntary part of the offseason, she appeared overweight in June, which sparked concern among coaches. Becton, who weighed up to 400 pounds last season while rehabbing from injuries, was thought to be in the 390s in minicamp. On Wednesday, he was noticeably a barber. The organization was thrilled with his weight loss. “I’m not going to put too much weight on it,” Saleh said, “but he got himself in football shape. He’s a talented athlete, a gifted person. I’m really excited about the direction he’s going.” Becton did not disclose his current weight, but said he has reached his goal. His personal nutritionist, Ann Claiborne, told ESPN that he “lost a lot of weight.” He remained in New Jersey for most of the six-week break, working with the team’s coaches and conditioning staff. Becton previously trained at a facility in Dallas, opting to skip the offseason because his girlfriend was pregnant with the couple’s first child. If he can stay fit and healthy — he’s only played eight complete games in two seasons — the Jets offensive line has strong potential. In addition to Becton and Fant at tackle, they have Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker (2021 first-round pick) at guard and Connor McGovern at center. “It’s a very good offensive line,” Saleh said. Like Becton, Vera-Tucker is learning a new position. He played left guard as a rookie but moved to the right side to accommodate Tomlinson, an established left guard. Saleh said he’s not worried about two young players — Vera-Tucker and Becton — learning new spots at the same time on the same side. “Personally, I’m excited about that right side,” he said. “We have two potential All-Pros, in my opinion.”
