LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton is headed for the Great White Way. Becton was the 11th pick by the New York Jets in the first round of the first-ever virtual NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-7, 364-pound big man is the highest offensive lineman drafted in school history. He joins Eric Wood (2009) and Bruce Armstrong (1991) as the other O-lineman selected in the first round. Armstrong was taken 25th by the New England Patriots and Wood was 28th by the Buffalo Bills. 

"I can't express how happy I am for Mekhi and his family to be a first-round selection," UofL head coach Scott Satterfield said. "There aren't many people that are that big that can move the way he does, and he has such a bright future. He really answered a lot of questions on the way he played this year, and to his credit, he put all the work in to be one the best in the country. He's just scratching the surface with his potential and he has the opportunity to be an outstanding tackle in the NFL for a long time."

A three-year starter at Louisville, Becton started 34 games at left tackle. In 2019, he was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy given to the top blocker in the ACC.

The Highland Springs, Virginia native had one of the most interesting "fun facts" listed on his biography card during the NFL telecast. His mother would carry around his birth certificate to sporting events. Becton was so big no one believed how old he was and she needed proof. 

Becton is Louisville's 22nd draft pick overall since the 2014 draft. He will be joining former Cardinals Josh Bellamy (2011) and Bilal Powell (2010) on the Jets roster.