The Philadelphia Eagles have taken a strategic step forward by signing offensive lineman Mekhi Becton. Initially brought in to serve as a swing tackle for starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton's recent performances have opened other opportunities on the team, particularly due to unforeseen circumstances.
An Unexpected Opportunity at Right Guard
Tyler Steen's ankle injury has created an immediate need at the starting right guard position, which Becton has been quick to address. Although he missed the first few days of training camp, Becton used the time to stay engaged and absorb lessons from his teammates. His involvement on the sidelines did not go unnoticed. As Mekhi Becton himself noted, "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."
Once back in action, Becton quickly demonstrated his value. During his first practice with the first team, Becton lined up as the right guard and managed to neutralize Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. His ability to adapt and excel across different positions has certainly caught the attention of the Eagles' coaching staff.
Coach and Teammates Weigh In
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni is optimistic about Becton's potential contributions. "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," said Sirianni. Clearly, the coaching staff recognizes the asset they have in Becton, as he offers both versatility and skill.
Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, echoed similar sentiments. "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?" Dickerson highlighted the genuine adaptability and readiness Becton brings to the table, an invaluable trait in the NFL where injuries and shifts are inevitable.
Versatility as a Key Strength
Becton's versatility extends beyond just filling in for injured teammates. "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," Dickerson continued. This positional flexibility not only offers the coaching staff multiple options but also strengthens the team's depth chart.
Becton himself exudes confidence in his readiness to step in whenever needed. "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 stated. This readiness is crucial as the Eagles continue to assess the severity of Steen's injury and his potential timeline for return, which has yet to be disclosed by the team.
A Strategic Addition to the Eagles' Lineup
Despite his initial role within the second-team offensive line, Becton has swiftly shown that he can handle first-team responsibilities. His performance has proven that he's not only a temporary fill-in but potentially a longer-term solution at multiple positions. "He's been a great help," Becton mentioned, acknowledging both the encouragement of his teammates and his proactive involvement even when sidelined.
With Landon Dickerson firmly established at left guard and Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson anchoring the tackles, the integration of Becton adds valuable versatility to the Eagles' offensive line. Becton's ability to perform under pressure and his continued improvement throughout the camp solidify his importance to the team moving forward.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, Becton's role will be one to watch closely. His adaptability and prowess could very well be pivotal in ensuring the stability and success of the Eagles' offensive line, regardless of the challenges that may arise.