Mekhi Becton's Shift to the Eagles: A New Chapter
In May, Mekhi Becton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, embarking on a new chapter away from his tumultuous tenure with the New York Jets. Expected to serve as a backup tackle for Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton's fresh start with the Eagles comes with new challenges and opportunities.
As the Eagles wrapped up their mandatory minicamp, Becton found himself stepping into the role of left guard in the absence of Landon Dickerson, who was initially out for personal reasons and later sidelined with a lacerated toe. During this period, Becton adapted admirably to the interior line position, illustrating versatility that could prove valuable to the Eagles' offensive line depth. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," Becton reflected on his learning experience.
This adaptability has been tested as Becton eyes a potential starting role at right guard. However, the competition is stiff. Tyler Steen, another key figure in training camp, is set to challenge Becton for that starting spot. Despite not having played right guard yet, Becton remains unfazed. "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 said with confidence.
Shifting from tackle to guard in the NFL is no simple feat. The pace and dynamics of the guard position present a steep learning curve. Becton explained, "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." This quickened pace contrasts significantly with the tackle spot, where there's more time to read the defense. "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," Becton noted, highlighting the stark differences between the two roles.
Despite the challenge, Becton is optimistic about his ability to adjust. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he asserted. His physical attributes, especially his impressive arm length, give him an 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 explained, confident in his potential impact.
Becton's time with the Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, but the change of scenery in Philadelphia brings fresh promise. The Eagles believe in his potential and have given him the first call to fill any void at the guard position. Training camp and the preseason games will be critical in testing his readiness and ability to perform under pressure. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," Becton stated, demonstrating his readiness to contribute in any capacity.
As the weeks progress, Becton's role with the Eagles will become clearer. For now, his focus remains steadfast on being prepared whenever the team needs him. "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, embracing the uncertainty with a positive attitude.
Becton's journey with the Eagles is just beginning, and the upcoming tests will reveal whether he can solidify his place within the team's offensive line. His blend of experience, physical prowess, and willingness to adapt could make him a valuable asset as the Eagles aim for success in the coming season.