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When the Jets drafted Mekhi Becton in the first round of the 2020 draft, they immediately installed him as their left tackle and the plan was for him to stay there for many years to come.
Becton started his entire rookie season, but his sophomore season ended with a knee injury in Week 1, which may have changed his place in the team’s roster as well. George Fant has received good reviews for his work at left tackle and this has led to some rumors of Becton switching to right tackle next season.
General manager Joe Douglas said no decisions have been made at this point, but that the team fully expects Becton to start the season.
“Yeah, we’re operating as if Mekhi is one of our two tackles,” Douglas said. “That is our expectation that he comes back ready to roll. . . . I think the coach addressed that. There is a chance that George stays on the left and Mekhi is right. But again, I expect both will be in our tackle group.”
The Jets plan to move 2021 first-rounder Alijah Vera-Tucker from left guard to right guard following the signing of Laken Tomlinson so Becton wouldn’t be the only offensive lineman on the move while the Jets try to put together the best possible unit front of Quarterback Zach Wilson for his second NFL season.