New York Jets Kick Off OTAs: Roster Analysis and Contract Talks

As the NFL’s OTA sessions commence across the league, all eyes are on the New York Jets. With a busy offseason generating headlines from Florham Park, it’s vital to gain a boots-on-the-ground perspective. In a recent appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Rich Cimini touched upon Aaron Rodgers‘ commitment to the team’s OTAs, the concerns surrounding the offensive line, and Mekhi Becton‘s transformation.

Listen to Rich Cimini’s full interview on the SXM App

Rodgers at OTAs & The Offensive Line

When it comes to attendance at OTAs, Aaron Rodgers made a strong statement by being present.

Cimini said, “Yeah, he’s out there right now as we speak. The first practice today, he’s there.” This signified Rodgers’ commitment to mastering the new offense and building camaraderie with his teammates, a departure from his past voluntary session participation in Green Bay.

While the Jets’ roster still carries some question marks, particularly on the offensive line, Cimini acknowledged the importance of these OTAs. “That is the number-one question on the team, the offensive line,” he explained.

However, due to several players recovering from major injuries — including Duane Brown, Mekhi Becton, and Alijah Vera-Tucker — the team is expected to take a cautious approach during these sessions. Instead of engaging in full-contact drills, they will focus on individual positional work.

Mekhi Becton at Left or Right Tackle

One of the most intriguing figures on the Jets’ roster is Mekhi Becton, who has undergone a remarkable transformation. Cimini revealed, “From what I understand, he’s down to a little under 350 pounds right now, which is about 20 pounds lower than his rookie weight.”

Becton’s dedication to improving his physical shape is commendable, although concerns remain about his previous knee injuries and his preference to play as a left tackle rather than a right tackle.

“The other issue that has come up in recent weeks is he’s made it very clear, mostly on social media, that he does not want to play right tackle where the Jets had him slotted last year.” Cimini continued, “He thinks that by moving him to right tackle last year that it may have contributed to his injury, but with a right knee surgically repaired, playing right tackle, he felt that in training camp, it was putting a lot of extra stress on that right knee and that ultimately led to the second surgery.”

As the New York Jets’ OTAs unfold, the offensive line, with key players recovering from injuries, demands careful management and evaluation during these sessions. Additionally, the presence of Aaron Rodgers brings renewed excitement to the team, with chemistry building among the wide receiving corps.

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