The Philadelphia Eagles have taken a significant step to bolster their offensive line by signing Mekhi Becton. Initially brought in to serve as a swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton finds himself in an unexpected but critical role following an injury to Tyler Steen.
Filling the Void
Tyler Steen's ankle injury opened up a vacancy at the starting right guard position, presenting Becton with an opportunity to make an immediate impact. During his first practice with the first team, Becton showcased his versatility and readiness by lining up as the right guard and effectively neutralizing defensive talent Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. This impressive performance has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff and his teammates.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressed his optimism about Becton's potential contributions: "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."
Adaptability and Value
Becton's adaptability has been a key asset for the Eagles. Although he did not participate in the initial days of training camp, he stayed engaged on the sidelines, absorbing every detail and learning from his teammates. His teammate, Landon Dickerson, spoke highly of Becton's flexibility and work ethic, saying, "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 further highlighted the value Becton brings to the team: "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."
Staying Ready
Becton's commitment to the team and willingness to step in wherever needed have been evident from the outset. Even when he wasn't practicing, he was making his presence felt, guiding and advising his teammates. "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.
As for his own readiness, Becton demonstrated both confidence and humility: "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."
An Uncertain Timeline
While the Eagles have not disclosed the duration of Tyler Steen's absence, Becton's emergence as a capable fill-in has provided some reassurance. His presence fortifies an offensive line that's already one of the strongest units in the league.
For now, Becton remains a vital component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line, but his recent performance hints at a more prominent role moving forward. With Landon Dickerson holding down the left guard position, the offensive line seems well-prepared to weather the storm and maintain its high standards.
As the Eagles continue their preparations for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Mekhi Becton and his abilities to keep up the momentum. Given his track record and the glowing endorsements from his coach and teammates, Becton appears poised to make a significant impact. The coming weeks will reveal just how integral he can be to this team's success.