Mekhi Becton Shines as He Joins the Philadelphia Eagles' Offensive Line
In a strategic move to bolster their offensive line, the Philadelphia Eagles have signed Mekhi Becton. Originally intended to serve as a swing tackle for starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton is already making waves in his new team.
During his initial practice with the first team, Becton stepped into the right guard position, filling the vacancy left by Tyler Steen who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Becton made an immediate impact, effectively neutralizing defensive tackle Jalen Carter during 11-on-11 drills. This impressive performance has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff and his teammates.
Despite not practicing during the first few days of training camp, Becton stayed engaged and learned from his peers. His determination and quick adaptation have earned him praise from Eagles' left guard Landon Dickerson, who stated, "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?"
Head coach Nick Sirianni is also optimistic about Becton's contribution. "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," Sirianni remarked. This enthusiasm underscores the importance of Becton's role in the team's offensive strategy.
More than just a temporary solution, Becton's versatility adds significant value to the Eagles' roster. According to Dickerson, "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." Such adaptability is crucial in an NFL season characterized by frequent injuries and strategic adjustments.
Becton's readiness to step up whenever needed has also been a key factor in his integration with the Eagles. Reflecting on his sideline days during the initial training camp, Becton expressed, "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." His proactive attitude and willingness to assist his teammates demonstrate his commitment to the team's success.
Even with the uncertainty surrounding Tyler Steen's return, Becton remains focused and prepared for any eventuality. "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 affirmed, highlighting his readiness to contribute whenever his team calls upon him.
As the Eagles navigate through preseason challenges, Becton's presence provides both stability and depth to their offensive line. His ability to adapt to multiple positions and maintain high performance levels keeps the team well-equipped to handle any obstacles that come their way.
Though the duration of Tyler Steen's absence remains undisclosed, Mekhi Becton's integration into the Eagles' frontline is growing stronger with each practice. His commitment and versatility signify a promising addition to Philadelphia's aspirations for the upcoming season.