Philadelphia Eagles Bolster Offensive Line with Mekhi Becton's Versatile Skills
The Philadelphia Eagles secured a key addition to their offensive line in May with the signing of Mekhi Becton. Originally coming on board as a backup for standout tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton's role has swiftly evolved to address immediate needs at other positions along the line.
Becton's tenure with the New York Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, yet the Eagles saw potential in his raw talent and impressive physical attributes, particularly his arm length, which stands out in comparison to typical defensive tackles. Although initially expected to play tackle, the Eagles recognized an opportunity to utilize Becton's versatility at the guard position.
During the mandatory minicamp, Becton adapted to the left guard spot, stepping in for Landon Dickerson, who was absent due to personal reasons and later sidelined by a lacerated toe. Becton has shown a remarkable ability to transition to the interior line position, which has different demands and a faster pace than playing tackle. "Guard, it happens way faster. You don't have time to say, you just gotta settle with what you gotta settle with. Your feet don't have time to set up what you gotta set up. It's real faster. It's right away. Your hands gotta be ready to fire right away," Becton explained.
Despite the challenges, Becton has embraced his new role, revealing a focused and resilient mindset. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he confidently stated. The Eagles coaches have taken note of his adaptability and preliminary success, positioning him to compete with Tyler Steen for the starting right guard slot during training camp. While Becton has yet to play right guard, his flexibility and readiness to respond to the team's needs place him in a favorable position.
During training camp and preseason games, Becton will face rigorous tests to ensure he can sustain his performance under pressure. His approach remains grounded and team-oriented, "I know I'm not, like that wasn't the thing when they signed me here. I don't have to get ready. I just know when my number is called I'm always gonna be ready," he said, demonstrating his commitment to the squad's success.
As Becton continues to learn from his teammates and coaches, he maintains an open mind and eagerness to improve. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he mentioned. This attitude has helped him quickly integrate into the Eagles' offensive line scheme, and his natural physical advantages could offer a significant boost. "I feel like I don't really know the disadvantages yet, but the advantages would be my arm length compared to defensive tackles and stuff like that," he noted.
Looking forward, Becton's role with the Eagles hinges on his performance in the upcoming weeks, where he hopes to solidify his position as a reliable option for the team. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he asserted. This willingness to step up whenever called upon encapsulates Becton's dedication and potential value to the Eagles' roster.
As the start of the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Mekhi Becton as he strives to prove his worth and make significant contributions to the Eagles' offensive line. His ability to transition between different roles effectively will be crucial, especially given the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the sport. With a combination of his physical prowess and mental tenacity, Becton is poised to make a meaningful impact for Philadelphia.