New York Jets left tackle George Fant has drawn praise from head coach Robert Saleh for his performances last season.
George Fant stepped in for Mekhi Becton after the 1st round 2020 draft pick underwent surgery in Week 1.
There have been concerns about Becton’s weight and durability. The fact the Jets called his injury a two month layoff at the time yet Becton missed the entire season speaks to this.
Robert Saleh says Becton is going to have to prove himself this offseason, and he by no means goes back to being the automatic starter in spite of his draft status.
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“George Fant stepped in at that left tackle spot and did a wonderful job,” Saleh said. “He has earned the right to be part of that discussion at left tackle. I’ve told George he’s got a chance to maintain that position.
“It’s the same thing for Mekhi. He has to come in and reassert himself into the starting lineup. It’s a really good problem to have, with what George has been able to do. We know what we can get out of Mekhi as he attacks this offseason.”
From Saleh’s perspective, he has two viable options competing for the left tackle position, which is good roster management.
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“It’s a big offseason for him in the sense that he’s got to put together an OTAs and a training camp and give himself a chance during the season,” Saleh said. “We’re excited about Mekhi and the direction he’s going and we’re super excited [about] George. We feel like we’ve got a really good tackle plan.
“It would be a disservice to George and the work he’s put in and the things he’s been able to do this year to just tell George he can’t compete for that job,” Saleh said. “Like I said, it’s a great problem. We’re kind of spoiled in that regard that we have two really good tackles. It’s going to be great to watch those guys compete.”
