Mekhi Becton Finds New Role with the Philadelphia Eagles
In a surprising move this May, Mekhi Becton joined the Philadelphia Eagles, a team known for its strong offensive line. Initially signed to provide depth behind tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, the versatile lineman has now found himself taking on a more significant role during the team's mandatory minicamp.
Unable to rely on Landon Dickerson, who was first absent for personal reasons and then sidelined by a lacerated toe, the Eagles turned to Becton to fill the gap at left guard. This unexpected shift has allowed Becton, who battled injuries and inconsistent play during his time with the New York Jets, to prove his adaptability on the field.
Becton has embraced this new challenge with confidence. “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,” Becton stated, illustrating his readiness to step in whenever the team needs him.
During training camp, Becton has been competing intensely with Tyler Steen for the starting right guard position. While he has yet to play right guard, he has already made a strong impression by quickly adjusting to the interior line position. His impressive arm length, which exceeds that of the typical defensive tackle, provides him with a distinct advantage in these matchups. Becton himself acknowledged, “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.”
The transition from tackle to guard has required Becton to make significant adjustments. He elaborated on the differences between the positions, saying, “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.”
As Becton continues to adapt, his ability to perform under pressure will be tested during the upcoming preseason games. The Eagles are keen to see whether he can maintain consistency and stay injury-free, an area that plagued his tenure with the Jets. Reflecting on his new role, Becton displayed a positive approach, stating, “It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it.”
Despite the challenges, Becton approaches his learning curve with enthusiasm. “I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do,” he shared, highlighting his commitment to expanding his skills. His willingness to learn and adapt is a promising sign for the Eagles, who are counting on him to be a valuable contributor to their offensive line depth.
Though the specifics of his role are yet to be determined, Becton remains focused on staying prepared for any opportunity that may arise. “If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready,” Becton affirmed. His readiness and flexibility will be crucial assets as the Eagles navigate the various scenarios that can unfold over the course of a demanding NFL season.
As the Eagles' training camp progresses, all eyes will be on Becton to see how he measures up against his peers and handles the rigors of the guard position. His performance in the coming weeks will be a vital indicator of his potential impact on the team. Reflecting on his mindset, Becton confidently stated, “I don't know what I'm gonna be when I come in here. Once I step on the field, I know I gotta be ready for whatever.”
With his impressive physical attributes and determined mindset, Becton is poised to make a significant impression on the Eagles' coaching staff. Whether he claims a starting spot or serves as a reliable backup, his contributions could be pivotal in shaping the team's offensive line dynamics this season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how his journey with the Eagles unfolds.