Mekhi Becton Making Strides in Philadelphia Eagles' Training Camp
Mekhi Becton's journey with the Philadelphia Eagles began with a significant transition after he signed with the team in May. Initially anticipated to serve as a backup for tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton has instead found himself adapting to a new role within the offensive line.
During the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, Becton was swiftly called upon to fill the void at left guard, stepping in for Landon Dickerson. Dickerson's absence, due to personal reasons followed by a lacerated toe, offered Becton an unexpected opportunity to demonstrate his versatility. Despite his history of injuries and inconsistent play with the New York Jets, Becton has adapted well to the interior line position.
Reflecting on his role change, Becton acknowledged the necessity of always being prepared. "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. Becton also shared insights into the mental shift required to play guard versus 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," he explained.
Competition for the Starting Right Guard Spot
Becton's adaptability has not gone unnoticed, and he is now competing with Tyler Steen for the starting right guard position as training camp progresses. Although he has yet to play the right guard spot in a game, Becton's impressive arm length compared to typical defensive tackles could provide a significant advantage. As he continues to acclimate to the interior line, Becton's progression will be closely monitored by the coaching staff.
Having spent time on the field with the Eagles' first-team offense at left guard, Becton remains focused on capitalizing on any opportunity presented to him. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he stated with determination. His readiness to step into any role is a testament to his commitment and work ethic, as he navigates the challenges of his new position.
Becton’s Learning Curve
The transition from tackle to guard is not only a physical adjustment but also a mental one. Becton’s willingness to learn and adapt is apparent. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," Becton remarked confidently. He has been dedicating time to learning from his teammates, soaking in knowledge and applying it to his game. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he added.
Despite the increased pace and demands of playing guard, Becton sees potential advantages in his new role. His remarkable arm length can be a significant asset in matchups against 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," Becton noted. This physical trait could afford him leverage in the trenches as he fine-tunes his skill set.
Eyes on the Preseason
The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for Becton. Training camp and preseason games will serve as critical platforms for testing his ability to adjust and perform under pressure. The Eagles will be paying close attention to how Becton handles these situations, looking for signs that he can secure a more permanent role on the offensive line.
Becton remains undeterred by the uncertainty surrounding his exact placement. "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," he said. This mindset underlines his commitment to the team and readiness to contribute whenever called upon.
As the Eagles gear up for the season, Becton’s journey from tackle to guard will be one of the narratives to watch. Whether he starts or serves as a reliable backup, his adaptability, physical attributes, and readiness to step into the fray will be crucial for the Eagles' offensive line depth and success.