Mekhi Becton's Journey with the Philadelphia Eagles: A Crucial Adaptation
In May, Mekhi Becton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, a move that immediately stirred interest among fans and analysts alike. Known for his impressive stature and noteworthy arm length, Becton was originally expected to serve as a backup for tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, the Eagles' plans for Becton took a turn when they slotted him at guard.
Becton's initial struggle in the NFL was marked by injuries and inconsistent performances during his tenure with the New York Jets. These challenges didn’t deter the Eagles from giving him a shot at redemption, and Becton has embraced the transition to guard with determination.
Filling in the Gaps
The Eagles' mandatory minicamp revealed the team's reliance on Becton as he filled the gap at left guard. This opportunity arose due to Landon Dickerson's absence for personal reasons, which was later compounded by a lacerated toe that sidelined him. Stepping up in a time of need, Becton has demonstrated his versatility and commitment to adapting to the interior line position.
Challenges and Competitions
As training camp progresses, Becton faces another challenge: competing for the starting right guard spot against Tyler Steen. Despite not having played right guard yet, the competition could provide Becton with the impetus needed to showcase his capabilities. His physical attributes, particularly his arm length, offer a noteworthy advantage over typical defensive tackles, potentially making him a formidable presence on the line.
When discussing his readiness and flexibility, Becton stated, "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." This mindset reflects his focus on being prepared for any role the team might need him to fill.
The Learning Curve
Transitioning from tackle to guard is no small feat, but Becton remains optimistic about the adjustment. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he remarked. He further elaborated on the differences between playing tackle and guard, noting, "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."
In contrast, he explained the relative luxury of playing tackle: "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." This candid assessment highlights the need for quick reflexes and readiness at the guard position.
Anticipation and Preparedness
Becton's approach to learning and improving his game has been a cornerstone of his adaptation. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he shared. His willingness to glean knowledge from teammates and coaching staff aligns with the Eagles' emphasis on versatility and readiness.
The upcoming training camp and preseason games will be critical in determining Becton's role with the Eagles. The organization’s plans to test his ability to adjust and perform under pressure underscore the importance of this period. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," Becton assured, reflecting his readiness to contribute in any capacity.
Reflecting on his potential advantages, Becton mentioned, "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." His physical traits, coupled with his adaptable mindset, suggest a promising fit within the Eagles' offensive line strategies.
As the Eagles gear up for the season, all eyes will be on Becton to see how his transition unfolds. His focus on readiness and his ability to adapt will be pivotal in solidifying his role on the team. "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 affirmed, encapsulating the essence of his journey with the Eagles.
The coming weeks will be decisive not only for Becton but also for the Eagles as they strategize their lineup. Becton's progression and performance during training camp will undoubtedly be a significant factor in shaping the team's offensive line configuration for the season ahead.