The Philadelphia Eagles have taken a decisive step to bolster their offensive line by signing Mekhi Becton. Originally brought in to function as a swing tackle, providing crucial support to starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton has quickly proven his versatility.
A Sudden Shift to Right Guard
The Eagles' plan to have Becton as a reliable backup took an unexpected turn when Tyler Steen suffered an ankle injury. This incident created a significant gap at the starting right guard position, a vacancy that Becton was swift to fill. During his first practice with the first team, Becton not only stepped into the role but shone brightly, neutralizing defensive tackle Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills.
Head coach Nick Sirianni expressed his optimism about Becton’s integration into the team. "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 stated, highlighting the positive momentum Becton has already generated.
Preparation Despite Early Absence
Becton’s journey with the Eagles hasn’t been without its challenges. Notably, he did not participate in the initial few days of training camp. However, rather than falling behind, Becton used this time to stay mentally sharp and absorb valuable insights from his teammates.
Landon Dickerson, the team’s left guard, noted the unique value Becton brings. "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 elaborated, pointing out how Becton’s flexibility is akin to what the Eagles might encounter during the regular season.
Becton himself acknowledged the benefit of those early days on the sidelines. "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," he said. Additionally, Becton emphasized his readiness and willingness to contribute wherever needed, stating, "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready."
A Valuable Asset
The Eagles' decision to integrate Becton into multiple roles underscores the strategic depth he brings to the squad. "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," Dickerson noted, emphasizing the multifaceted utility Becton provides.
While Tyler Steen’s absence looms large, the Eagles have not yet disclosed the duration of his recovery. This uncertainty makes Becton’s role even more pivotal as he continues to stand out as an integral component of the Eagles’ second-team offensive line.
As the Eagles navigate the preseason, Becton’s progress and adaptability will be a storyline to watch. His immediate impact and the potential for long-term contributions set the stage for intriguing developments on Philadelphia's offensive line. Whether as a starter or a versatile backup, Becton’s presence is poised to make a significant difference.