The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant move by signing Mekhi Becton, a versatile offensive lineman, in what appears to be a strategic move to fortify their front line. Initially brought in to serve as a swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton is quickly proving his worth in a variety of roles.
Opportunity Arises Through Injury
The dynamics changed significantly when Tyler Steen suffered an ankle injury, creating a vacancy at the starting right guard position. Becton was called to step in and did not disappoint. During his first practice with the first team, Becton lined up as the right guard and effectively neutralized rising star Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. This impressive showing has boosted his stock within the team.
"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," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni commented, expressing confidence in Becton's abilities and potential impact on the team’s offensive line.
Adaptability and Versatility
Becton’s adaptability is one of his strongest assets. Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, praised Becton's versatility, stating, "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."
Becton’s flexibility has been crucial, particularly given the Eagles’ recent injury challenges. "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?" added Dickerson, underlining Becton's importance to the team's adaptability and resilience.
Maximizing Sideline Learning
Despite not practicing during the initial days of training camp, Becton remained actively engaged. He used his time on the sidelines to learn from his teammates and stay involved in team dynamics. "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 mentioned, highlighting his commitment to contributing to the team in any capacity.
Future Prospects
Although the Eagles have not disclosed the duration of Tyler Steen's absence, Becton remains a crucial component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line. His readiness to step in whenever needed has been a significant asset, a quality he takes great pride in. "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 asserted, displaying his team-first mentality.
Given his contributions and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and teammates, Becton is poised to play a pivotal role as the Eagles navigate the challenges of the forthcoming season. His ability to seamlessly transition between various positions on the line makes him an invaluable asset.