As the 2020 NFL Draft gets closer by the day, mock drafts from respected experts continue to come out. This time, it's NFL.com's Bucky Brooks giving his first edition.
Brooks, a former NFL return specialist, has been one of NFL.com and NFL Network's top draft analysts. And after doing his first evaluation of the top prospects this year, he believes that Jets GM Joe Douglas will find himself a new offensive tackle to work with in Louisville's Mekhi Becton at No. 11 overall.
"Ultra-athletic edge blocker with the size, length and skill to blossom into an elite NFL offensive tackle," Brooks said about Becton.
When Brooks talks about Becton's size and length being elite, he's underselling it. He stands at a massive 6-foot-7, 369 pounds, and Becton actually lost weight heading into the 2019 season. What's even more impressive is his athleticism at his size.
The Draft Network's Jordan Reid scouted Becton this season, and noticed that his weight loss "paid off as he looked lighter on his feet." Keeping his weight in tact is one area the Jets would have to focus on, as they'd love to keep him as nimble as possible when going against some of the best edge rushers in the game.
When it comes to run blocking, Becton is a pure mismatch. He knows how to drive through his first level of attack and make it to the next with force. That would be huge for Le'Veon Bell as well as Sam Darnold.
If the Jets were to draft Becton, he could be plugged right into any tackle position on their line. Kelvin Beachum has manned the left side recently, but there is a lot to be desired there. Brandon Shell and Chuma Edoga split time on the right side, but both tackles didn't perform well. Overall, the Jets' line was one of the worst in the NFL, so Douglas knows upgrades are needed in 2020.
Could it be Becton? Depending on what happens at the NFL Combine, Becton's draft stock might jump up. Having him at No. 11 right now, though, seems like a pretty solid prediction, and one Jets fans should be happy with if it does turn out that way.