Assessing Redskins first-round options: Louisville OT Mekhi Becton

Should the Redskins draft Mekhi Becton?

The Redskins should certainly consider Mekhi Becton, were they to find themselves trading back in the 2020 NFL Draft. Becton is an offensive tackle with a great deal of upside, and he fills a major need for the team.

But while Becton should be considered, should the Redskins ultimately draft him? After analyzing three top offensive tackles, we have a good sample size of information to go off of. Of the three tackles analyzed thus far, we can rule out Jedrick Wills, as his lack of experience at left tackle is a bit of a deal breaker for Washington.

That omission leaves Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton as the tackle candidates for the Redskins. Becton has more experience at left tackle, but Wirfs started a few games at the position in 2019 and had no adverse effects present on his tape. Both Wirfs and Becton are excellent pass blockers, but given Wirfs’ greater flexibility as a prospect in the running game, I’d be more inclined to pick him over Becton.

The two are close in this discussion, and I don’t think either one is necessarily the wrong pick. But while both are great athletes, Wirfs is in the surefire elite tier with his mobility, and he has more freedom of movement with his size, while possessing comparable power.

While Wirfs is the choice at offensive tackle for now, there’s still one more tackle prospect to analyze. Georgia’s Andrew Thomas remains the wild card for the Redskins, and should they trade back, he might just offer similar utility, at perhaps a greater value. Stay tuned for his breakdown in the coming days.