Preseason Preparation: Becton’s Journey to Secure the Right Guard Position
Mekhi Becton’s evolution during the Eagles' training camp has been a noteworthy story as the team readies itself for the upcoming NFL season. Initially facing challenges, particularly in matchups with standout Jalen Carter, Becton demonstrated resilience and determination that have marked him as a frontrunner for the starting right guard position.
The early days of camp saw Becton struggling against Carter, a formidable opponent. However, his tenacity became evident as he began to hold his ground more effectively with each passing day. “It’s been fun. We had a little back and forth today. We went against each other and you know I’m starting to catch up to him. I’m starting to get his number. We’re starting to get each others’ numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron,” said Becton, reflecting on his progress.
As training camp progressed, Becton’s improvements did not go unnoticed. By the time the team faced the Baltimore Ravens in their preseason opener, Becton was the only first-team starter on offense to make an appearance. He played eight crucial snaps before yielding to Tyler Steen. This game marked Becton’s debut at right guard in a live scenario, a significant milestone in his career.
Post-game, Becton acknowledged the learning curve associated with his new position but remained optimistic. “There’s always room for improvement on anything. This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game. Of course, I’m gonna look at the film with Stout [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We’ll come together and combine it,” he commented, signaling his commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration with his coaching staff.
In his transition to right guard, Becton has benefitted from the guidance of his teammates. Cam Jurgens, sharing his insights, remarked, “A lot of it’s talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays. You're going to have two gappers, penetrators, different guys play different techniques, so figuring out how the footwork changes from each defensive guy and where that linebacker is and if we have certain motions where it may change our footwork.” This advice has been crucial in helping Becton navigate the nuances of his new role.
Landon Dickerson has also been vocal in his support, recognizing Becton’s swift adjustment to the position. “A little bit of an adjustment for him, but the way he’s built, the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness, I think right now he’s really excelling at that position. And it is an adjustment, but he’s handling it extremely well,” Dickerson stated. His comments underscore the significance of Becton’s physical attributes and their contribution to his success.
Becton’s development has been fueled by a focus on the fundamentals, particularly his footwork and hand placement. “It’s still O-line at the end of the day. I still gotta get my hands. I still gotta do my footwork. It’s just all about attacking my footwork and I did attack it,” he noted. This attention to detail has been a key factor in his rapid progression.
The Eagles' offensive line will undoubtedly benefit from Becton’s ongoing improvement as the season approaches. Both his physical capabilities and psychological readiness will be crucial as the team embarks on what they hope will be a successful campaign. Becton's adaptability and perseverance not only reinforce his position as a starting right guard but also highlight the critical importance of internal competition and teamwork in the NFL. His journey, from the early struggles against Carter to becoming one of the standout players in the preseason, reflects a dedication that bodes well for the Eagles.