Mekhi Becton, once plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances with the New York Jets, has embarked on a new chapter with the Philadelphia Eagles. Signed in May, Becton is bringing renewed vigor to Philadelphia’s offensive line, and he’s quickly proving his worth in various positions.
Upon his arrival, Becton was anticipated to be a backup for standout tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, the Eagles had other strategic plans, looking to utilize Becton at the guard position. This mid-course adaptation has placed Becton in a critical role during the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, particularly filling in at left guard.
Playing the Interior
With Landon Dickerson absent for personal reasons, and later sidelined by a lacerated toe, Becton stepped up to the plate. Despite the swift change, he has displayed a commendable level of adaptability. “It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it,” Becton assured.
Transitioning from tackle to guard is no minor shift. As Becton elaborates, “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.” This change of pace highlights the demanding nature of playing on the interior line compared to his previous role as a tackle, where there was “a little bit of time to see what [the defense] is doing.”
Competing for a Spot
Despite these challenges, Becton’s impressive arm length—a notable advantage over typical defensive tackles—adds a unique dimension to his play. “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.
In training camp, Becton has been competing to challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot. Yet to play right guard, he’s taking each day with a readiness to push his boundaries. “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 expressed, underscoring his readiness to adapt and step into any role the team requires.
Proving Grounds
The forthcoming training camp and preseason games will serve as crucial testing grounds for Becton. The Eagles are keen to assess his ability to adjust and perform under high-pressure conditions. “If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready,” Becton stated, displaying a team-first mentality essential for a versatile player.
Becton's journey to solidifying a definitive role with the Eagles is on a promising trajectory. His self-awareness and willingness to absorb knowledge from his teammates are pivotal to his growth. “I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do,” he remarked. This openness to learning signals his commitment to not just fill in the gaps but to fortify the Eagles' line with his performance.
As the Eagles prepare to hone their roster with Becton poised to contribute significantly, the narrative of his resurgence from an injury-mired past to a crucial team player is unfolding. Becton himself puts it aptly, “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.”
The coming weeks will indeed determine where Becton stands, but one thing is clear: his adaptability, arm length, and readiness to step in when needed are promising signs for the Eagles. In a roster where versatility and quick adaptation are prized, Becton has positioned himself as a key player ready to rise to the occasion.