As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the upcoming NFL season, all eyes are on Mekhi Becton, who has showcased remarkable progress during training camp. Initially struggling in matchups with the formidable Jalen Carter, Becton has steadily improved, eventually balancing their contests, much to the optimism of the coaching staff and his teammates.
Becton’s journey with the Eagles began with some initial challenges, particularly when facing off against Carter. However, as training camp progressed, Becton adapted, continually refining his technique and learning from each encounter. "It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today. We went against each other and you know I'm starting to catch up to him. I'm starting to get his number. We're starting to get each others' numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron," Becton remarked, reflecting on his competitive spirit and improvement.
Positioned as the frontrunner for the starting spot at right guard as the Eagles gear up for Week 1, Becton's dedication to mastering the role is apparent. His commitment was on full display during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, where he was the sole first-team starter to take the field on offense. This game marked his first live experience at right guard, a significant milestone. Becton played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen. "There's always room for improvement on anything. This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game. Of course, I'm gonna look at the film with Stout [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it," he said, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and collaboration with his coach.
Becton’s rapid adaptation to the right guard role hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates. Cam Jurgens, offering advice on the nuances of the position, highlighted the complexity of adapting to various defensive techniques. "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays. You're going to have two gappers, penetrators, different guys play different techniques, so figuring out how the footwork changes from each defensive guy and where that linebacker is and if we have certain motions where it may change our footwork," Jurgens explained, underscoring the detailed adjustments required at the position.
Landon Dickerson also acknowledged Becton's smooth transition and praised his physical attributes and quick learning. "A little bit of an adjustment for him, but the way he's built, the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness, I think right now he's really excelling at that position. And it is an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well," Dickerson noted.
Becton's progression has not only been impressive but also critical for the cohesion and effectiveness of the Eagles' offensive line. His dedication to footwork and hand technique has been a focal point of his training, as he continually seeks to master his assignments. "It's still O-line at the end of the day. I still gotta get my hands. I still gotta do my footwork. It's just all about attacking my footwork and I did attack it," Becton stated, illustrating his methodical approach to improvement.
Both Jurgens and Dickerson have been vocal about Becton’s success and ongoing improvement. Dickerson commended Becton's daily effort and progress, saying, "For him to make that transition and come inside, and the way he's been able to succeed in doing well in practice, and come out here every day and keep getting better, is impressive."
As the Eagles look towards the start of the season, Becton's role and performance will be pivotal. His rapid adjustment and continuous improvement are promising indicators for the team's offensive line. The encouragement and guidance from his teammates, combined with his own determination, suggest that Becton is not only ready to take on the starting role but also to excel in it. The upcoming season holds great potential for Becton, whose hard work and adaptability could very well make him a key player in the Eagles' quest for success.