Former Louisville lineman Mekhi Becton is ready to make NFL critics 'eat their words'

Former Louisville offensive lineman Mekhi Becton has a message to send this offseason, and he's using the words of others to convey it.

After a minicamp practice, Becton – now an offensive lineman for the New York Jets – spoke to media members while wearing a blue T-shirt with different phrases in the middle of it, including “out of shape,” “lazy” and, in the center with the largest font size, “big bust.”

Becton, a first-round pick in 2020, said these were phrases people have used throughout his life to describe him. People have written him off in the past, he said, and he wants his critics to remember what they'd said.

“I’m going to make them eat their words,” Becton said.

One phrase on Becton's shirt said "injury prone," which could be a nod to his 2021 campaign. He played just one game last season, never returning to action after injuring his knee during the Jets' first game of the year.

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Coach Robert Saleh said this week Becton's knee does not have any structural damage. Still, questions about the lineman's weight, condition and durability have been frequent in his two seasons with the Jets.

Heading into the 2022 season, Becton said he will work to reestablish his position in the starting lineup as New York's left tackle.

Mekhi Becton's Louisville career

A native of Highland Springs, Virginia, Becton committed to Louisville in 2017 as a three-star recruit.

Becton played three seasons for the Cardinals, from 2017-2019. During his first season he blocked for Lamar Jackson, a name most Louisville fans probably remember, and helped the Cardinals reach the TaxSlayer Bowl that year before losing to Mississippi State. Two years later, in his final season with the team, the Cardinals avenged that loss and won the Music City Bowl against the Bulldogs.

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He entered the draft as a highly touted prospect, with his scouting report citing his long wingspan, strength, athleticism and other traits as his best assets. He measured 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds at the NFL combine that season, with his "surprisingly nimble feet and functional athleticism" noted in his combine profile.

NFL career

Becton was selected 11th overall in 2020 by the New York Jets.

He got off to a hot start. During his first season, he played in 14 games and started 13. The Jets, without a playoff appearance since 2010, struggled to a lowly 2-14 finish, but Becton gave up just seven sacks and earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 74.4. He played just one game last season, though, missing more time than expected after initial reports predicted he'd be out between four and six weeks. The Jets, meanwhile, finished 4-13.

Entering this season/injury update

Speaking about his status Wednesday in a session with reporters, Becton said he's regaining strength in his knee and feels good physically.

“(I’m) ready to go out there and play,” Becton said.

While he said he would not give out any specifics about his weight, Becton said he and the coaching staff are “satisfied” with where he is.

George Fant – a former basketball player at Western Kentucky who joined the football team late in his college career – took over at left tackle in his place, starting 15 games for the Jets. But Becton said he's open to playing either left or right tackle for New York next season, as he did at Louisville.

No matter which side of the line he's on, if his shirt is any evidence, he'll bring a little extra motivation with him back on to the field.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mekhi Becton plays off criticism before third year with New York Jets