Mekhi Becton Joins Philadelphia Eagles: A Fresh Start with New Opportunities
In a surprising offseason move, Mekhi Becton inked a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles this past May. Initially projected to be a backup for tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton’s journey with the Eagles has taken an intriguing turn.
Becton’s tenure with the New York Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, creating a cloud of uncertainty around his potential. However, the Eagles have seen an opportunity to reshape Becton's career, planning for him to play at guard—a less familiar position for the towering lineman.
As Landon Dickerson was absent for personal reasons and later sidelined by a lacerated toe, Becton seized the chance to step in, filling the left guard position during the Eagles' mandatory minicamp. Despite the transition, Becton has shown promising adaptability to the interior line position, a critical skill required for the fast-paced dynamics of the NFL.
Becton himself acknowledges the challenges but remains positive about the move. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he stated. His willingness to learn and develop is evident. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," Becton expressed, highlighting his commitment to improving his game.
Training camp has introduced another layer of competition for Becton. With Dickerson sidelined, he has been actively vying to challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot. Nevertheless, Becton has yet to play right guard, which places him at a slight disadvantage as the battle for roster spots heats up.
Despite these hurdles, Becton remains undeterred and focused on being ready whenever the team calls upon him. "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 asserted, showcasing his readiness to step up at any given moment.
The shift from tackle to guard has its unique requirements and Becton describes the different pace and challenges it brings. "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," he elaborates, indicating his awareness of the heightened urgency that comes with playing guard.
In contrast, the tackle position offers a bit more time to read and react to the defense. "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," Becton explained, comparing the two roles.
One of Becton's physical attributes that serves him well in his new position is his impressive arm length. "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 remarked, showing his awareness of how his physical traits can be advantageous in the trenches.
As training camp and preseason games loom, Becton’s performance under pressure will be critically evaluated. These coming weeks will significantly influence his role with the Eagles. Still, Becton remains resolute in his approach. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he stated simply, underscoring his team-first mentality and readiness to contribute in any capacity.
Becton's journey with the Eagles is shaping up to be a story of adaptation and resilience. "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 concluded, encapsulating his determined attitude.
As the Eagles watch Mekhi Becton's evolution closely, there is cautious optimism that he will fulfill the potential that once made him a first-round draft pick. The upcoming weeks will reveal much about his ability to adjust and thrive in this pivotal role.