The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their offensive line with the acquisition of Mekhi Becton, who was initially brought in to serve as a swing tackle for stalwart starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. In a twist of fate, Becton’s versatility has been put to the test early in his tenure with the team.
A New Role for Becton
The Eagles faced a sudden challenge when Tyler Steen, their starting right guard, suffered an ankle injury. This injury created an immediate need at the position, and Becton found himself stepping up to fill the void. Despite not practicing during the first few days of training camp, Becton quickly got up to speed, using his time on the sidelines to stay engaged and absorb knowledge from his teammates.
“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 shared, highlighting his dedication off the field.
When given the opportunity during his first practice with the first team, Becton lined up as the right guard and made an immediate impact, neutralizing Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. His performance did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff.
Coaches and Teammates Weigh In
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressed his optimism about Becton’s progress, stating, “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.”
Landon Dickerson, the team’s left guard, also praised Becton’s adaptability and situational awareness. “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. His comments reflect the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where flexibility and readiness are paramount.
A Valuable Asset
Becton’s ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line is invaluable, especially in the physically demanding landscape of the NFL. As Dickerson mentioned, “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.”
Although Becton’s initial role was to be a swing tackle, his capability to step in as a guard demonstrates his importance to the squad. Currently, he remains a key component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line, ready to step up whenever and wherever needed.
Prepared for Any Role
Becton himself maintains a focused and adaptable mindset, understanding the demands and uncertainties of professional football. “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,” Becton expressed.
While the duration of Tyler Steen’s absence remains undisclosed, Becton’s readiness to step in provides the Eagles with a crucial buffer against injuries. His performance in the coming weeks will be closely scrutinized as the team navigates through the preseason and heads into the regular season.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ acquisition of Mekhi Becton not only shores up their offensive line but also adds a layer of depth and versatility that can be critical in a long NFL season. With coaches and teammates alike showing confidence in his abilities, Becton stands as a testament to the importance of adaptability and preparation in professional sports.