Mekhi Becton's Journey with the Philadelphia Eagles: A Season of Adaptation and Opportunity
In May, the Philadelphia Eagles made a strategic move by signing Mekhi Becton, a promising yet injury-prone offensive lineman, previously with the New York Jets. Becton's transition to the Eagles is notable not just for the fresh start it represents but also for the role it has cast him into—a multifaceted member of the offensive line with the potential to fill critical gaps when needed.
Becton entered the Eagles squad with the expectation of backing up Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson at tackle. However, the Eagles had broader plans. The team saw potential in Becton’s versatility and envisioned him playing at guard, shoring up a position that required immediate attention during the mandatory minicamp. With Landon Dickerson absent due to personal reasons and later sidelined by a lacerated toe, Becton stepped in to fill the left guard position—a role he adapted to with commendable agility.
“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,” Becton reflected on his readiness to step up whenever needed. This readiness proved crucial during the mini-camp and aims to be his defining trait as the season progresses.
His journey with the Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, but the Eagles have provided an environment that could allow Becton to tap into his full potential. The move to guard has not been without its challenges. “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,” Becton explained, offering insight into the swift and often relentless nature of the position.
Despite not yet playing right guard, Becton is competing fiercely in training camp to challenge rookie Tyler Steen for the starting spot. His focus remains steadfast on being a reliable option for the Eagles' offensive line, ready to adapt to any role thrown his way. “If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready,” he asserted, underscoring his commitment to the team’s success over individual accolades.
Becton’s arm length offers a notable advantage in the guard position, providing a physical edge against defensive tackles. “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 highlighted. This physical trait, coupled with his determination, could prove pivotal as he seeks to solidify his place in the Eagles' lineup.
The upcoming training camp and preseason games will serve as crucial testing grounds for Becton. These periods will assess not only his physical capabilities but also his mental resilience and adaptability. The Eagles are keen to see how Becton performs under pressure and how seamlessly he can integrate into the team's tactical framework.
As Becton continues to adapt to the interior line position, his willingness to learn and grow stands out. “I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do,” he shared, portraying a mindset geared towards continuous improvement. This attitude aligns well with the team’s ethos and could see Becton becoming a vital component of the Eagles' offensive strategy.
The coming weeks will be telling for Becton’s role with the Eagles. His focus remains clear: to be ready whenever his number is called. “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 stated, encapsulating the uncertainty and readiness that define his current journey.
Mekhi Becton’s tenure with the Eagles may be in its early stages, but the potential for growth and success is evident. With the right balance of opportunity and challenge, Becton could well prove to be a crucial asset to the Eagles' offensive line in the season ahead.