Mekhi Becton Embraces New Opportunity with Philadelphia Eagles
When Mekhi Becton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in May, many expected him to serve as a backup for Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson at tackle. However, the Eagles had different plans for the 6-foot-7, 363-pound lineman. Despite previous issues with injuries and inconsistent play during his tenure with the New York Jets, Becton has shown resilience and adaptability, stepping into a crucial role for the Eagles at guard.
Becton has been given the chance to showcase his versatility during the Eagles' mandatory minicamp. With Landon Dickerson absent for personal reasons and later sidelined by a lacerated toe, Becton has filled the gap at left guard. His performance has been noteworthy, as he quickly adapted to the interior line position, a role typically reserved for players with different skill sets than those required for tackle.
"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 said, reflecting on his readiness to step in wherever the team needs him.
Adjustment and Learning on the Fly
Becton acknowledges the differences between playing tackle and guard but maintains a positive outlook on the adjustment. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he explained. His commitment to learning and growth is evident as he eagerly absorbs knowledge from his teammates, including Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Jordan Mailata. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," Becton added.
Despite the challenges, Becton enjoys the fast-paced nature of playing guard. "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," he said, highlighting the quick decisions and reactions required in the position. In contrast, tackle allows for a bit more time to assess the defense. "At tackle, you got a little bit of time to see what [the defense] is doing. You have time to figure out if you're in the right spot or not," Becton explained.
Competition and Determination
Becton's performance in the minicamp has opened the door for him to challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot in training camp. While he hasn't played right guard yet, his adaptability and skill have made him the first player the Eagles call upon to fill a void at the guard position. Becton remains pragmatic about his role on the team, stating, "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready."
One key advantage Becton possesses is his impressive arm length compared to typical defensive tackles. "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 mentioned. This trait could serve him well as he competes for a starting position.
Looking Ahead
The real test for Becton will come in training camp and preseason games, where his ability to adjust and perform under pressure will be closely scrutinized. Whether he secures a starting spot at guard by Week 1 will largely depend on his continued performance and how Tyler Steen fares in the competition. For now, Becton remains focused on being ready whenever the team needs him.
"I don't know what I'm gonna be when I come in here," Becton said. "Once I step on the field, I know I gotta be ready for whatever."
Becton's journey with the Eagles is just beginning, but his willingness to embrace new challenges and learn from his experiences is a promising sign for Philadelphia's offensive line. The coming weeks will determine how this experiment unfolds, but one thing is certain: Mekhi Becton is ready to seize his opportunity with determination and a positive attitude.