The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their offensive line by signing Mekhi Becton, a move that promises to enhance their depth and flexibility in the trenches. Originally intended to serve as a swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton's role quickly evolved following an unfortunate injury to right guard Tyler Steen.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Tyler Steen's ankle injury created an immediate void in the starting lineup. Thus, during his first practice with the first team, Becton was thrust into the role of right guard. He seamlessly adjusted to the position, making an impressive impact right away by effectively neutralizing Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. Despite not participating in the initial days of training camp, Becton’s presence and skills were felt instantaneously.
Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni expressed his confidence in Becton: "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."
Living Up to Expectations
Becton’s versatility has been a focal point for the Eagles. During his tenure so far, he has proved he can adjust to multiple positions along the line, a trait highly valued in the NFL. Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, highlighted this flexibility: "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."
Becton’s adaptability was particularly tested as he had to shift across various positions during practices due to injuries among his teammates. "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 remarked.
Capitalizing on Sideline Time
Despite being sidelined during the first few days of training camp, Becton used this time wisely. He remained engaged and immersed himself in the team’s dynamics by learning from his teammates and providing valuable feedback. Becton himself admitted, "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."
The proactive attitude paid dividends when he finally got onto the field. His readiness to fill in wherever needed speaks volumes about his professional mindset and team-first attitude. Becton said, "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."
A Valuable Asset
As Becton continues to solidify his role within the team, his contributions have not gone unnoticed. While the Eagles have yet to disclose the duration of Steen's absence, Becton's presence and ability to adapt ensure that the team’s offensive line remains reliable and strong.
Thus far, Becton remains an indispensable component of the Eagles' offensive line, proving his worth as a versatile and dependable player. His journey with the Eagles may have started as a swing tackle, but he's quickly proving that he can hold down multiple fortresses, enhancing the team's offensive unit's resilience. As the Eagles move forward through their season, Becton's role might evolve even more, but his dedication and readiness won't change.