Mekhi Becton Joins the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their offensive line by signing Mekhi Becton, a move that adds depth and versatility to the unit. Originally acquired to serve as a swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton's role with the team has quickly evolved.
Filling the Void
Tyler Steen’s recent ankle injury has created an unexpected vacancy at the starting right guard position. The Eagles have not disclosed the duration of Steen's absence, but the injury necessitated a swift and strategic adjustment. Becton, stepping up to the challenge, took to the field during his first practice with the first team as the right guard.
In a promising display of his potential, Becton managed to neutralize Jalen Carter during 11-on-11 drills. The performance did not go unnoticed, with Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressing optimism. "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 commented.
Adapting Quickly
Given that Becton did not practice during the initial days of training camp, his rapid adaptation has been impressive. During his downtime, Becton maximized the opportunity to stay engaged and learn from 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 remarked, underscoring the proactive approach to his integration into the team.
Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, emphasized Becton’s importance to the team. "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 said, highlighting Becton's ability to adapt to various roles. "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," added Dickerson, illustrating Becton's versatility.
Staying Ready
Becton’s mindset reflects his readiness to contribute 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," Becton mentioned, showcasing his team-first attitude and preparedness for any role.
Despite the challenges presented by injuries and fluctuating lineups, Becton has established himself as a reliable and valuable component of the Eagles' offensive line. His proactive engagement, ability to quickly fill vacancies, and versatility have already made a significant impact.
Looking Ahead to the Season
As of now, Becton remains a critical part of the Eagles' second-team offensive line, providing much-needed depth and flexibility. His journey from sidelined observer to active contributor within the span of a few days speaks volumes about his work ethic and commitment to the team.
With the regular season approaching, the Eagles will continue to rely on Becton’s adaptability and skill as they navigate the inevitable challenges that come with an NFL campaign. His performance and attitude thus far suggest that he will be a key player to watch as the season unfolds. The synergy between Becton and his teammates, combined with his unwavering readiness, positions the Eagles’ offensive line for a strong showing this year.