Mekhi Becton Adjusts to New Role with the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles made a notable addition in May by signing Mekhi Becton. The former New York Jets player was brought on board with the expectation of providing backup support for tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, the Eagles' plans for Becton have evolved since his arrival, with the team now considering him for multiple roles along their offensive line.
Becton's tenure with the Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite these setbacks, the Eagles see potential in the towering lineman, particularly at the guard position. During the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, Becton played an essential role by filling in at left guard, a position left vacant by Landon Dickerson due to personal reasons and a subsequent injury - a lacerated toe.
Becton has embraced the challenge of transitioning to the interior line, saying, "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it." This adaptive mindset has been evident as he competes to challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot during training camp. Although Becton has yet to play right guard, his readiness to step in wherever needed is clear. “If I can start, I’ll start. If I don’t, I’ll be ready,” he asserted.
One of Becton's standout attributes is his impressive arm length, which he believes gives him an edge over typical 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. This physical trait, combined with his dedication to learning from his teammates, could make him a valuable asset for the Eagles' offensive line.
The shift from tackle to guard has required Becton to adjust his playing style. At guard, the action is immediate, leaving little time for setup and requiring quick reflexes. "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. Your hands gotta be ready to fire right away," Becton noted. This contrasts with the tackle position, where players have a bit more time to assess the defense and ensure they are in the correct position. "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," he added.
Becton’s commitment to adapting is further evidenced by his approach to training camp and preseason games, which will be crucial in determining his role with the team. "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, highlighting his prepared mindset.
Another advantage for Becton is his willingness to learn from everyone around him. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he said, emphasizing his continuous effort to improve and integrate into the team. This attitude could be pivotal as the Eagles evaluate their roster heading into the season.
As the Eagles continue their preparations, Becton remains a key figure in their plans. Whether he ends up starting or providing essential depth across the offensive line, Becton’s versatility and readiness to step in at a moment’s notice will be invaluable for the team.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Becton as he works to cement his place with the Eagles. His ability to adjust and perform under pressure will be tested, but his focus remains unwavering. "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," he said with conviction. Only time will tell what Becton's role with the Eagles will be, but one thing is certain: he intends to be ready for any challenge that comes his way.