The Philadelphia Eagles made headlines recently by signing Mekhi Becton, an impressive addition to their already formidable offensive line. Initially brought in to serve as a swing tackle supporting starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton quickly demonstrated his versatility following an unfortunate injury within the team.
Adjusting to an Unexpected Role
Tyler Steen, the Eagles' expected starter at right guard, suffered an ankle injury leading to his current hiatus from the field, an absence whose duration remains undisclosed. This created an immediate need for a temporary yet effective solution. Enter Mekhi Becton, who, during his first practice with the first team, stepped up to fill the gap at right guard. In an encouraging performance, Becton effectively neutralized defensive tackle Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills.
Philadelphia's head coach, Nick Sirianni, has expressed confidence in Becton's abilities, 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."
Using the Sidelines to His Advantage
Despite not practicing during the first few days of training camp, Becton remained engaged and utilized his time on the sidelines to observe, learn, and assist his teammates. His proactive approach has not gone unnoticed. "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," shared Landon Dickerson, who serves as the team's left guard.
This attitude underscores Becton's readiness for any role, a sentiment he himself echoed: "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 Man of Many Positions
Becton's versatility has proven invaluable, especially given the ebbs and flows of an NFL season where injuries often disrupt established lineups. Landon Dickerson highlighted this utility by saying, "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."
Such adaptability ensures the Eagles have a reliable plan B for multiple spots on the offensive line, enhancing the overall resilience of their squad.
Bouncing Back Strong
One of Becton's strengths is his ability to take on various roles seamlessly, which has been critical given the injury troubles the team has encountered. "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.
Becton's smooth transition to guard and his determination to contribute significantly to both the starting and second-team offense have bolstered his reputation. Despite the early days of the season, his role is poised to expand as he continues to showcase his unique talents and flexibility.
The Road Ahead
As the Eagles advance through training camp and preseason preparations, the focus will remain on integrating Becton effectively into different formations and roles. His demonstrated dedication and adaptability have already set a positive tone, benefiting both the team's strategy and morale.
In summary, Mehi Becton's arrival in Philadelphia has been marked by an immediate and impactful contribution. With his readiness to step up when needed and his ability to master multiple positions, Becton represents a significant asset to the Eagles, ensuring they have a robust and adaptable offensive line as they head into the new season.