Mekhi Becton's Transformation Highlights Eagles' Training Camp Progress
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the season, one of the most intriguing stories emerging from their training camp is the progression of Mekhi Becton. Originally struggling in his matchups against defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Becton has made notable strides in both his technique and confidence, earning him a frontrunner position for the starting right guard spot.
Becton's journey through training camp has been anything but linear. The initial sessions saw him falter in head-to-heads with Carter, a challenge he openly acknowledged. However, his commitment to improvement began to show dividends as camp progressed. "It’s been fun. We had a little back and forth today," Becton remarked after a particularly contested practice. "We went against each other and you know I’m starting to catch up to him. I'm starting to get his number. We're starting to get each others' numbers. We’re working. Iron sharpens iron."
Indeed, this back-and-forth dynamic seems to have played a crucial role in Becton’s development. With each clash, he learned more about what it takes to handle a high-caliber opponent like Carter, adjusting his approach and technique accordingly. It wasn’t long before Becton began to hold his own, indicating a balanced mix of resilience and adaptability.
Becton’s accelerated adjustment was further highlighted during the Eagles' preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Notably, he was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field. This was not just a trial run – it was Becton’s inaugural experience playing right guard in a live game. He participated in eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen. Reflecting on this debut, Becton stressed the importance of refinement and continued learning. "There’s always room for improvement on anything. This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game. Of course, I’m gonna look at the film with Stout [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We’ll come together and combine it."
The influence of coaching and mentorship cannot be overstated in Becton’s transformation. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has been meticulous in reviewing game film with him, while teammates like Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson have provided valuable insights into the nuances of the right guard position. Jurgens, for instance, emphasized the importance of understanding various defensive techniques. "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays. You’re going to have two gappers, penetrators, different guys play different techniques, so figuring out how the footwork changes from each defensive guy and where that linebacker is and if we have certain motions where it may change our footwork," he explained.
Meanwhile, Dickerson has been particularly impressed by Becton’s physical attributes. "A little bit of an adjustment for him, but the way he's built, the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness, I think right now he's really excelling at that position. And it is an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well," Dickerson noted. The praise didn’t stop there. "For him to make that transition and come inside, and the way he's been able to succeed in doing well in practice, and come out here every day and keep getting better, is impressive," he added.
A significant part of Becton’s success can be attributed to his focus on masterful execution of footwork and hands. He admits that these fundamentals are essential for thriving in any offensive line role, but especially crucial when shifting to an interior position. "It’s still O-line at the end of the day. I still gotta get my hands. I still gotta do my footwork. It’s just all about attacking my footwork and I did attack it," Becton revealed.
Becton’s evolving skill set and adaptability not only put him at the forefront for the starting right guard position but also bode well for the Eagles' offensive line as they march into the new season. His willingness to embrace challenges and his dedication to continuous improvement offer a promising outlook for both his career and the team’s offensive dynamics.