The Philadelphia Eagles have made a notable addition to their roster with the signing of Mekhi Becton. Initially brought in to serve as a swing tackle for starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton's role quickly evolved following an unforeseen turn of events during training camp.
Becton's Versatility Tested Early
When Tyler Steen suffered an ankle injury, the Eagles found themselves with a significant vacancy at the starting right guard position. Becton, with his extensive experience and adaptability, was called upon to step up. During his first practice with the first team, he lined up as the right guard and delivered an impressive performance, notably neutralizing Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills.
Becton’s initial days at the training camp were spent on the sidelines, a period that he utilized to stay engaged and absorb the play techniques from his teammates. Despite not practicing, he remained a constant presence, offering insights and guidance to fellow players. "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," Becton said. "He's been a great help."
A Smooth Transition
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has expressed optimism about Becton's integration into the team, appreciating his attitude and readiness to contribute. "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," Sirianni commented.
Becton himself has remained pragmatic about his role, emphasizing his readiness regardless of the situation. "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 stated.
The Team's Perspective
Veteran player Landon Dickerson, who holds the left guard spot, has commended Becton’s ability to adapt and his significant contribution to the offensive line. "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 said. He further elaborated on the value that Becton brings to the team, highlighting his versatility: "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."
While the exact duration of Tyler Steen's absence remains undisclosed, Becton has already made a strong case for himself. His ability to perform under pressure and quickly adapt to different roles showcases his potential as a valuable asset to the Eagles' second-team offensive line.
Looking Ahead
Becton’s presence bolsters the Eagles' depth and flexibility in their offensive lineup. With his adaptability and commitment, he could seamlessly transition between multiple positions as needed, providing the Eagles with a reliable solution amid injuries and other challenges that arise during the season.
The immediate impact of Becton's addition is clear, but his true value will be measured as the season progresses. For now, both coaching staff and teammates have expressed confidence in what he brings to the table, and fans have reasons to be optimistic about his contributions to the team's continued success.