The Jets signed the 2020 NFL Draft’s 11th overall pick Mekhi Becton to a four-year, $18.45M contract, including a $10.98M signing bonus. The contract is fully guaranteed, with a cap charge of $3.35M in 2020. Becton is a mammoth offensive tackle, weighing in at 6 ft., 7 in. and 364 lbs. He will likely protect 3rd-year quarterback Sam Darnold’s blindside for the foreseeable future. He played collegiate football at the University of Louisville, where he started every game that he appeared in and even scored a touchdown: a 1-yard rumbling tumble. Last year, he was named First-Team All-ACC and honored with the Jacobs Blocking Award, bestowed upon the conference’s best blocker.
Becton is represented by Damarius Bilbo of Klutch Sports Group’s new football division. While new to the football side of agency, there have been little growing pains for Rich Paul, Bilbo, and Co. Bilbo also represents fellow 2020 first rounders Chase Young and Jeff Okudah, who were drafted 2nd and 3rd, respectively, out of Ohio State. Klutch also represents 2020 draft picks Laviska Shenault, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and fellow Jet, Bryce Hall.
With the trade of franchise cornerstone Jamal Adams, the Jets need all the help they can get this coming season. General Manager Joe Douglas was quick to address the team’s most glaring need this offseason: offensive line play. He signed right tackle George Fant, right guard Greg Van Roten, and center Connor McGovern. With Becton projected to start at left tackle, this offensive line group hardly resembles the 2019 roll-out. That is probably a good thing.