NY Jets OT Mekhi Becton looking skinny after weight loss

NY Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton spoke to reporters on Monday for the first time since suffering his season-ending knee injury last summer.

The Becton that we saw on Monday looked very different from the Becton we saw prior to his injury in the summer — and he'll be the first to admit that. The former first-round pick looked slim and motivated ahead of what promises to be a crucial offseason.

Becton told reporters that he was "really skinny" and that he had lost "a lot" of weight during his rehab process over the last few months. He also insisted that he will be training in New Jersey this offseason and that he will attend voluntary OTAs this spring.

This is in stark contrast to the approach Becton took last offseason. The former Louisville star opted to train near his home in Texas while awaiting the birth of his first child. He also missed OTAs for the same reason.

This year, Becton appears confident and inspired to prove that he deserves a starting role in this Jets' offense.

NY Jets OT Mekhi Becton has seemingly lost 'a lot' of weight

Becton's weight was a constant source of discussion last offseason as the 23-year-old's health was one of the biggest team's talking points for a number of months.

Unfortunately, Becton would suffer a season-ending knee injury in an August practice — one that would sideline him for essentially his second full season. Becton has played just one game since his rookie season in 2020.

Becton's injury was the first in a long line of injury issues the Jets encountered at the offensive tackle position in 2022. From Duane Brown to George Fant to Alijah Vera-Tucker to Max Mitchell to Cedric Ogbuehi, the Jets seemingly couldn't catch a break at that spot.

The Jets likely won't rely on Becton to stay healthy in 2023. After all, it's hard to depend on a player who has played just 15 of a possible 50 games in his career.

That said, a healthy and motivated Becton would provide a massive boost to a Jets' offensive line that could use some help this offseason. He should have an opportunity to compete for a role this summer too.

The Jets will be in the market for some offensive line help in the coming months, but Becton is prepared to prove why he deserves the starting spot he never really lost.

Mekhi Becton is making excellent progress on his road to recovery. Now, he's set to embark on a completely new journey: the road to redemption.