The Philadelphia Eagles have added an intriguing piece to their offensive line with the signing of Mekhi Becton. Originally brought in to serve as a swing tackle for starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton quickly found himself presented with an opportunity to make a more substantial impact.
When Tyler Steen suffered an ankle injury, an immediate vacancy at the starting right guard position emerged. Not only did this injury impact the Eagles' offensive line dynamics, but it also gave Becton an unexpected chance to showcase his capabilities as a starting guard.
Seizing the Opportunity
Mekhi Becton wasted no time making his presence felt at his new position. During his first practice with the first team, Becton lined up as the right guard and managed to neutralize Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. Despite these early successes, Becton admits there's still room for improvement in his footwork and getting acclimated to the speed of playing inside.
"I'm looking forward to that. Mekhi has had a good camp so far and looking forward to getting him some work next to Lane [Johnson] and continuing to work forward with that," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni remarked, highlighting the optimism surrounding Becton's development.
Versatility and Value
The Eagles have long valued versatile linemen, and Becton fits that mold perfectly. The coaching staff and players alike see his ability to play multiple positions as a significant asset. Becton is more than capable of filling in at both guard spots as well as tackle, offering much-needed depth and flexibility to the team's offensive front.
Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, has been a vocal proponent of Becton's capabilities. "I think Mekhi is doing great. He's had to bounce around a few positions. We had some guys get banged up. Nothing different than what happens during the season, right?" Dickerson noted. Such versatility is particularly valuable in the NFL, where injuries can decimate an offensive line.
"We have a guy that can swing at both guard and tackle, can play both guard spots. That's a lot of value in the NFL. He's able to play four out of five positions," Dickerson continued, emphasizing Becton's adaptability and the strategic advantage it provides the Eagles.
A Promising Start
Becton's journey with the Eagles has not been entirely smooth. He did not practice during the first few days of training camp, which could have set him back. However, he used that time wisely, staying engaged and learning from the sidelines. "The first few days he wasn't practicing, but he was definitely in my ear the whole time and telling me what I was doing wrong. He's been a great help," Becton said, acknowledging the supportive environment fostered by his teammates.
Becton's own words reflect his readiness and determination: "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. If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready." His attitude epitomizes the "next man up" mentality that successful teams embody.
Looking Forward
The Eagles have yet to disclose the duration of Tyler Steen's absence, which means Becton may have an extended opportunity to cement his place on the starting line. As he continues to develop and get more reps, it's reasonable to expect that his footwork and comfort with the position will improve.
For now, Mekhi Becton remains a valuable component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line, but his potential for greater responsibility is clear. If his progress thus far is any indication, the young lineman could soon emerge as a critical player for Philadelphia, whether in a starting role or as a versatile backup ready to step in whenever needed.