In a strategic move by the Philadelphia Eagles, Mekhi Becton has signed on and has been making notable strides in his new role with the team. Initially expected to serve as a backup tackle for Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton has found himself thrust into a more dynamic role, playing both guard positions and adapting swiftly to the team’s needs.
Becton's Transition
Becton's tenure with the New York Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, leading to challenges in fulfilling his potential. However, his signing with the Eagles in May has presented a fresh start. During the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, Becton filled in at left guard, stepping up impressively in the absence of Landon Dickerson, who was sidelined first due to personal reasons and later by a lacerated toe.
"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," Becton remarked, emphasizing his readiness to play whenever needed.
Adapting to the Interior Line
Becton's ability to adapt to the interior line position has been evident. While primarily known for his tackle play, the Eagles' plan to use him at guard has allowed Becton to demonstrate his versatility. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he confidently stated.
Understanding the intricacies of playing guard versus tackle has been part of Becton’s learning curve. "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," he explained. This rapid pace contrasts sharply with the tackle position, where he noted, "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."
Competitiveness and Readiness
Throughout training camp, Becton has not only filled the left guard position but also competed to challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot. This competition is pushing Becton to prove his adaptability and capability in real-game situations. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he emphasized about his approach to competition.
Becton's impressive arm length provides a unique advantage over typical defensive tackles, another aspect he's eager to leverage. "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 commented.
Future Prospects
As the training camp and preseason games continue, Becton's resilience and performance will be critically tested. The coming weeks are crucial, as they will determine his role with the Eagles moving forward. His focus remains clear: "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."
Throughout the ups and downs of his career thus far, Becton's growth and adaptability have been a testament to his dedication. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," Becton shares about his journey and openness to learning from his experiences.
Becton's ability to stay ready and adapt to new roles is a promising sign for the Eagles, who are looking to solidify their offensive line. Whether stepping in as a guard or challenging for starting spots, Becton's presence brings depth and versatility that could prove invaluable as the season progresses.