Browns Should 100% Ignore Concerns After Mekhi Becton Was Flagged for Drug Test at NFL Combine
By Thomas Carannante
The Cleveland Browns are sitting pretty with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and it looks like they'll have a top offensive line prospect fall into their lap.
Countless mock drafts suggest the Browns will select Louisville offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, which would be huge for protecting Baker Mayfield and improving the run game. However, Becton, who had an outstanding NFL Combine, was reportedly flagged for a drug test during the week in Indianapolis, and it's bound to cause concern.
Multiple players had drug tests flagged at the NFL Combine & among those is projected top 10 pick #Louisville OT Mekhi Becton, I’m told. Teams were made aware of this. Becton had no failed drug tests in college. Per new CBA rules, he goes into Stage 1 for no more than 60 days.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2020
Becton hadn't gotten himself into trouble in college and the new NFL CBA has eliminated suspensions for positive marijuana tests. The Browns just had Greg Robinson, who tried to smuggle 157 pounds of weed into Mexico earlier this offseason, on the roster this past season. It's likely they can handle one "flagged" drug test from a potential generational talent on the offensive line.
Sure, there's a reason to be concerned about a player's character issues, but one "flagged" drug test? Does that even mean he failed? Why are they even testing for marijuana at the Combine anymore?
If Mekhi Becton has no further flagged tests or issues in 60 days, “he will thereafter assume the same status as Players who have never been referred to the Intervention Program.” https://t.co/9pyQ3AVDfe
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2020
Nobody cares.
Unless players have a history of drug problems/misuse and other off-the-field issues, a flagged test like this should be no issue at all. General manager Andrew Berry needs to ignore the noise if Becton falls to him at No. 10 and just make the selection.