Mekhi Becton's Journey with the Philadelphia Eagles: A Transition with Promise and Potential
When Mekhi Becton joined the Philadelphia Eagles in May, it marked a significant turn in his career, leaving behind a rocky tenure with the New York Jets characterized by injury struggles and inconsistent performance. Now, he faces a new set of challenges and opportunities as he aims to establish himself within a competitive Eagles lineup.
Initially signed to serve as a backup for established tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton's versatility has allowed the Eagles to explore different offensive line configurations. Originally, the Eagles planned for Becton to adapt to the guard position, showcasing their belief in his capability to fortify the team's depth chart.
During the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, Becton stepped into the left guard role, filling the void left by Landon Dickerson, who was absent due to personal reasons and later sidelined by a lacerated toe. This opportunity has given Becton the chance to demonstrate his ability to adapt and contribute to the interior line.
Becton has shown a willingness to embrace this transition, underscoring his readiness to seize any opening that comes his way. "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," he stated with confidence. His mentality reflects a player keenly focused on being prepared for whatever role the team needs him to fill.
The adjustment from tackle to guard is no small feat, and Becton acknowledges the challenges it entails. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he affirmed. His ability to adapt quickly and efficiently has been noticed as he competes against Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot during training camp.
Although Becton has yet to play at right guard, his progress and performance at other positions indicate a promising potential for versatility on the offensive line. His comments on the differences between playing guard and tackle provide insight into the technical nuances of these roles. "Guard, it happens way faster. You don't have time to say, you just gotta settle with what you gotta settle with. Your feet don't have time to set up what you gotta set up. It's real faster. It's right away. Your hands gotta be ready to fire right away," Becton explained. He contrasted this with the tackle position: "At tackle, you got a little bit of time to see what [the defense] is doing. You have time to figure out if you're in the right spot or not."
The upcoming weeks of training camp and preseason games will be crucial for Becton as he aims to solidify his role within the Eagles' offensive structure. His impressive arm length offers him a distinct advantage when facing defensive tackles, and it's a trait he is eager to leverage. "I feel like I don't really know the disadvantages yet, but the advantages would be my arm length compared to defensive tackles and stuff like that," he noted.
Adaptability and preparation remain central to Becton's approach. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to continuous improvement. As he strives to either secure a starting spot or be reliably prepared as a valuable backup, Becton maintains a flexible mindset: "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready."
The transition to a new position and team presents both challenges and opportunities for Becton. His focus remains clear: to be ready whenever the team needs him. "I don't know what I'm gonna be when I come in here. Once I step on the field, I know I gotta be ready for whatever," he said, encapsulating his readiness to adapt and perform under any circumstance.
As the Eagles evaluate their roster and refine their strategies, Becton's performance and ability to adjust under pressure will be critical. The coming weeks will reveal how Becton's talents and determination will carve out his role with the team. His journey with the Philadelphia Eagles is one to watch, as it unfolds with potential and promise.