PLANO, Texas – It took about 90 minutes for Mekhi Becton’s dream to come true.
In reality, it’s taken much longer to get to this point.
Becton, the former Highland Springs standout offensive tackle, was selected 11th overall in this year’s NFL Draft on Thursday night. He was selected by the New York Jets who’s General Manager, Joe Douglas is a former standout lineman himself from Lee-Davis high school and the University of Richmond.
Becton was an All-ACC first team selection at the University of Louisville. His senior class at Highland Springs had 22 players sign letters of intent back in 2017 with his being the last and of the most interest. He is the sixth highest draft pick from the Richmond area alltime, and the second first round pick from RVA in the last two years following Clelin Ferrell, a Benedictine defensive lineman who was taken by the Raiders 4th overall last year.
This is the first time the Jets have taken an offensive lineman in the first round since 2006, when they took former UVA standout D’Brickashaw Ferguson.
Young played in only 38 games at Ohio State, but sill racked up 99 tackles, 42.5 tackles for a loss and 30.5 sacks. He also had 10 forced fumbles.
He set the Ohio State single season record last year with 16.5 sacks, which also led the nation. He also led the country in forced fumbles with 7. He was a unanimous All-American and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
