Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Mekhi Becton is the team’s starting right tackle “as of now” after the 32-24 preseason finale victory over the Giants.
Becton played 14 snaps and solidified his hold on the job.
He has made a push over the last few weeks to win the position over Billy Turner and Max Mitchell after he began camp working with the third team.
It was the first preseason game Becton started after he came off the bench in the first three.
Becton is coming back from knee injuries that cost him almost all of the last two seasons.
“He’s still got work to do,” Saleh said. “There’s a maintenance part of it that he’s got to stay on and he can’t get satisfied with it. He’s got to stay diligent with making sure he’s staying ahead of the chains when it comes to rehab and [regeneration] and all that. He’s doing all the right stuff. He’s got a lot of energy.
“He’s speaking the right language. He’s got a lot of positive self talk. He’s in the training room every day working on that knee making sure it’s fresh and ready to roll. He’s got to stay on it and he can’t get complacent with where he’s at now. He’s got a lot to play for. He’s gotten better every single day and he’s gotten more confident in his knee.”
Becton has a fan in quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
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Becton walked over and gave Rodgers a hug after exiting the game.
“He’s come a long way,” Rodgers said. “I’m really proud of him. As much as anybody on the team, the way that Mekhi has grown this month has been really spectacular.”
Backup QB Zach Wilson played five series, but did not get the Jets into the end zone.
He finished 11-for-18 for 107 yards, with one nice deep ball that Mecole Hardman could not pull in.
“I thought Zach was awesome,” Saleh said. “I’m proud of that kid, man. He did such a nice job all camp to be asked what he was asked to do with regard to taking a step back and learning all over again. Then, today I thought he commanded the huddle. I thought he dropped a dime on that deep ball to Mecole. I thought he was really, really good.”
Hardman appeared to injure his finger after that pass, but Saleh said he was fine.
The starting defense played just seven snaps. It was clear they were dominating against the Giants backup offense and Saleh did not need to see more after those two series.
“I just saw the first couple of series,” Saleh said. “They’re ready.”
