The New York Jets draft history in recent years has been very hit-and-miss, especially in the first round. As general manager Joe Douglas looks to improve the roster this offseason with the team in win-now mode, at least one of the club’s former top picks is reportedly going to generate interest.
New York had a run of consecutive weak draft classes in the 2020 and 2021 NFL Draft. Having already moved on from their second-round picks from each of those years, the Jets are now prepared to do the same with their first-round picks from those same classes.
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Quarterback Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in 2021, and offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, the 11th overall pick in 2020, are not expected to return to New York next season. Wilson was granted permission to seek a trade, while Becton is poised to become a free agent.
Once Becton hits the open market, per Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons are expected to pursue him in NFL free agency.
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Wilson will also likely generate some interest on the trade market this offseason, although, no suitors have been linked to him as of yet. Until the starting quarterback market gets settled, with options like Baker Mayfield and Justin Fields available, Wilson will likely be stuck in New York.
Tennessee would be a particularly interesting fit for Becton. After hiring head coach Brian Callahan early this offseason, the Titans coach brought in his father, Bill Callahan, as the Titans offensive line coach. In Tennessee, Becton would have an opportunity to work with one of the best offensive line coaches of his era.
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The Titans also have a glaring need at offensive tackle, which could make them a more favorable destination for Becton. He’s shown flashes throughout his career and with a top offensive line coach, could still blossom into a multi-year starter with the benefit of a change of scenery and better teaching.
As for the Falcons, Atlanta is poised to roll into the 2024 season with Jake Matthews at left tackle and Kalen McGary on the right side. However, Becton could reunite with Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, who was his position coach with the Louisville Cardinals. In the case of both Wilson and Becton, there are clearly going to be NFL teams willing to bet they can get more out of the former first-round picks than the Jets ever did.
