After a shaky rookie season, this year is a big one for New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. And the team did everything it thought necessary this offseason to help him succeed, loading up on the offensive side of the ball via free agency and the draft.
Part of the optimism around what Wilson might be able to accomplish is his individual potential as the second overall pick in 2021. Another part is the potential of New York’s offensive line to be amongst the league’s best. That part just took a hit Tuesday with reports that 2020 first-round tackle Mekhi Becton is likely to miss the season with an avulsion fracture of his right knee cap.
#Jets OT Mekhi Becton has suffered an avulsion fracture of the right knee cap, per me and @MikeGarafolo. He’s seeing a surgeon tomorrow, but likely is out for the year. Brutal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2022
The news won’t do much to impact Wilson’s fantasy stock, however. He wasn’t being drafted high before Becton’s injury — averaging out as the 23rd quarterback in drafts, according to Fantasy Pros — and he certainly doesn’t deserve a draft spot after, at least until he proves otherwise.
Offensive line a mess today. Wilson sacked on four of his first five dropbacks. Not good. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 9, 2022
Even for those higher than most on Wilson, the injury puts a damper on expectations. Despite having a line where three of the remaining expected starters earned above average pass block grades from PFF a year ago (and the fourth was 2021 first-rounder Alijah Vera-Tucker, who should show improvement), New York allowed the fourth-most sacks last season. That was largely due to Wilson’s tendency to hold the ball too long — only Justin Fields had a higher sack percentage.
If he improves even a little in that area, he’ll increase his fantasy value over last season’s QB30 finish. But without Becton for a second straight year, it probably won’t be enough to make him worthy of anything more than a bye week fill-in.
Additionally, rookie Breece Hall, who is currently averaging out as the 19th or 20th running back being drafted, could see the biggest hit to his fantasy relevance if the line suffers.
