The Philadelphia Eagles have added a significant piece to their offensive line, signing Mekhi Becton. Becton, initially brought in to provide depth as a swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, has quickly found himself thrust into a critical role.
Tyler Steen's unfortunate ankle injury left the Eagles with a vacancy at the starting right guard position, creating an immediate need for reinforcement. Becton, despite not practicing during the early days of training camp, was given the opportunity to fill this gap and has made an impressive start.
Becton's Impact in First Team Practice
In his first practice with the first team, Becton lined up as the right guard and showcased his versatility and strength by neutralizing Jalen Carter during 11-on-11 drills. This initial performance has garnered praise and optimism from coaches and teammates alike.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is particularly upbeat about Becton's potential. "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. The coach's comments underscore the positive impression Becton has made despite his limited practice time early on.
Adapting Quickly to Multiple Positions
Becton's ability to adapt to different positions on the offensive line has not gone unnoticed. Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, highlighted this versatility. "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?" he remarked.
Dickerson further emphasized the value Becton brings to the team, noting, "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 versatility adds a layer of depth to the Eagles' offensive line, providing insurance against injuries and other unforeseen circumstances.
Learning from the Sidelines
Becton's initial absence from practice did not deter him from staying engaged and learning from his teammates. During those days, he remained actively involved, a move that has paid dividends in his swift adaptation to the team. "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 noted. This eagerness to learn and contribute even when not on the field speaks volumes about his commitment and professional attitude.
As for Becton's mindset, he remains ready to step in wherever needed. "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 said. This flexibility and readiness highlight his team-first approach.
Uncertain Duration for Steen's Absence
While the Eagles have not disclosed how long Tyler Steen will be out, Becton's presence provides a sense of stability and reliability. Even if Becton continues to serve primarily as a second-team offensive lineman, his contributions during Steen's recovery period could prove invaluable.
The Philadelphia Eagles' decision to sign Mekhi Becton is starting to appear shrewd as he steps in to fill critical roles on the offensive line. His ability to quickly adapt and excel at multiple positions while maintaining a team-oriented approach has earned him respect within the organization. As the season progresses, Becton's development and performance will be closely watched by both the team and its fans.