Mekhi Becton arrived in New York almost three years ago with sky-high expectations. The mammoth offensive tackle oozed potential and was viewed as the Jets’ left tackle of the future — and it looked like he was on his way to that point during his rookie season.
Becton’s path to stardom has been derailed by injuries, though. The No. 11 pick in the 2020 NFL draft played just one game last season after suffering a season-ending dislocated kneecap in Gang Green’s opener. Injuries were also an issue for Becton during his standout rookie year, and his lack of consistent availability prompted Robert Saleh to announce that he would have to win back his starting left tackle job in January.
Joe Douglas said last month that the Jets are operating as if Becton is one of their two starting tackles, but his place in the pecking order is no longer as solidified as it was when he was a high-profile rookie. Becton is going to have to stay healthy if he wants to stay in the starting lineup.
Controlling his weight will go a long way in ensuring that happens.
Becton, who weighed 363 pounds at the 2020 combine, got up to at least 400 pounds while rehabbing his knee injury, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. However, Becton is working his way back into shape with the help of a new nutritionist, and the Jets might be able to reap the benefits next season.
Ann Claiborne, Becton’s nutritionist, told Cimini that Becton’s weight is back down to the 300s. The two started working together during training camp in August and Claiborne helped Becton get down to 360 pounds before undergoing surgery on his knee.
Becton has hired a personal chef under Claiborne’s guidance. His diet is now anti-inflammatory, alkaline and free of processed foods. Becton eats lots of fruits and vegetables — three times the amount he was consuming beforehand, according to Claiborne.
Becton has drawn criticism for his weight before. The Jets are hoping his efforts result in a significant and sustained difference this time around. Zach Wilson could use his larger-than-life blindside protector on the field, after all.
