Could a quarterback fall far enough for the Chicago Bears if Jets pass on a QB?
Let’s pretend for a minute that the Jets do keep Darnold. Instead they draft Penei Sewell — the top-rated left tackle prospect coming out of the draft. The Jets drafted Mekhi Becton last year to lock in as their left tackle. Becton was taken 11th-overall. He had a decent rookie season too with a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 74.4. Becton did not have a single holding penalty in 2020, but did allow seven sacks. His six penalties included five false starts and one overturned penalty.
Most teams would love to have Becton as their left tackle. He proved himself in 2020, but pairing Becton up with Penei Sewell would make for great bookends for the New York Jets. Becton has experience playing right tackle in college (played RT all of 2018). Honestly, leaving Becton at left tackle and throwing Sewell in at right tackle makes sense too. Robert Saleh could also test them out at both and see which combination works best.
We should not be surprised by this move though as general manager Joe Douglas has made mention of his intentions on building the team through the draft — specifically by building up the offensive and defensive lines. A man who realizes you build through both of the trenches — unlike Ryan Pace who has neglected the offensive tackle positions.