The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their offensive line by signing Mekhi Becton, initially intended to serve as a swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, Becton's versatility has quickly proven to be invaluable for the team.
Becton's Immediate Impact
With Tyler Steen sidelined due to an ankle injury, a gap emerged at the starting right guard position. Becton seized the opportunity, stepping up during his first practice with the first team. Lining up as the right guard, he successfully neutralized one of the defense's key players, Jalen Carter, in 11-on-11 drills. Such an impressive performance from Becton has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff and his teammates.
"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," commented Eagles coach Nick Sirianni.
Adjusting to the Eagles' Chemistry
Despite not practicing during the initial days of training camp, Becton remained engaged and used the time to learn from his new teammates. His dedication to staying mentally prepared earned him high praise from both coaches and fellow players alike.
"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?" said Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard. "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."
This ability to adapt to multiple positions adds a significant layer of depth to the Eagles' offensive line, which is crucial in the physically demanding environment of the NFL. Becton's flexibility ensures that the team has reliable options, regardless of injuries or roster changes.
A Player Ready for Any Role
Becton's positive attitude and readiness to contribute in any capacity have also been commendable. "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," he remarked.
His willingness to listen and learn from his peers has also been a key part of his preparation. "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 added, reflecting on his early days in training camp.
Future Prospects
The Eagles have opted not to disclose the duration of Tyler Steen's absence, which leaves room for Becton to potentially continue his spell with the first team. Regardless, his contribution is already felt on the second-team offensive line, where he remains an essential component.
In the competitive world of NFL, having versatile and dedicated players like Mekhi Becton can often be the difference between a playoff run and an early offseason. As the Eagles push forward through the rest of their training camp and into the regular season, all eyes will be on Becton to see how his talents and adaptability continue to contribute to the team's success.