Mekhi Becton Finds New Opportunities with the Philadelphia Eagles
Mekhi Becton’s journey has taken a new turn with his recent signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in May. Formerly a New York Jet, Becton is adapting to his new role and showing his versatility on the field. The Eagles originally brought Becton in to serve as a backup for tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, Philadelphia's coaching staff sees potential for Becton beyond the tackle position, planning for him to play at guard.
Injuries and inconsistent play marked Becton's time with the Jets, yet the physical talent he possesses, particularly his impressive arm length, makes him an intriguing asset for the Eagles. During the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, Becton seized an opportunity to prove his worth by filling in at left guard. This chance came about due to the absence of Landon Dickerson, who was initially away for personal reasons and later sidelined with a lacerated toe.
While some might find the transition from tackle to guard daunting, Becton has embraced the challenge head-on. "Guard, it happens way faster. Your hands gotta be ready to fire right away," Becton shared, highlighting the differences between the two positions. “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.”
Despite the faster pace and different responsibilities that come with playing on the interior line, Becton remains unfazed. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he said. This adaptability is particularly crucial as he competes with Tyler Steen for the starting right guard position during training camp. Interestingly, while Becton has yet to officially play right guard, the coaching staff is confident in his ability to step up and fill any role as needed.
Becton's experience and maturity shine through his approach to his new 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," Becton remarked, underscoring his commitment to being a reliable team player. His willingness to learn from everyone around him further solidifies his dedication to the sport. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he added.
The preseason games and the grueling days of training camp will serve as the ultimate test for Becton. This period will determine how well he adjusts to the guard position under the intense pressure of top-tier football. Team dynamics can shift quickly, and Becton's readiness to respond to any call-up is vital. "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 stated confidently.
Of course, transitioning between positions comes with both advantages and uncertainties. Becton acknowledges the potential benefit his arm length could provide against defensive tackles, although he is still exploring the full spectrum of advantages and disadvantages. "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 said.
As the Eagles refine their roster and strategize for the upcoming season, Becton’s performance and adaptability could play a significant role. His ability to seamlessly switch roles, maintain readiness, and continuously learn from his peers positions him as a key figure to watch. Whether he starts or not, Becton has promised to be ready whenever the team needs him. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he affirmed. The coming weeks will ultimately paint the picture of Becton’s role with the Eagles, but one thing is clear: his resilience and determination are set to bring added depth and strength to Philadelphia’s offensive line.