The Philadelphia Eagles have made a strategic move by signing Mekhi Becton, whose versatility could prove crucial in their upcoming season. Originally introduced to serve as a swing tackle for starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton has already started to make his mark.
New Role Amidst Injuries
In a turn of events that showcases the unpredictable nature of football, Tyler Steen's ankle injury has opened up a vacancy at the starting right guard position. Seizing the opportunity, Becton lined up as the right guard during his first practice with the first team. Demonstrating his adaptability and skill, he managed to neutralize Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills, an impressive feat that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
"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," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni remarked, highlighting Becton's promising start.
Utilizing Sideline Time Wisely
Becton's journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward. He did not practice during the initial days of training camp, but rather than letting that time go to waste, he stayed engaged and learned from his teammates. This proactive approach has already started to pay dividends.
"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," Mekhi Becton himself noted, underscoring his commitment to the team.
Team Reaction and Versatility
Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, also praised Becton's performance. "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 pointed out, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in the face of injuries.
He continued, "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." The ability to cover multiple positions indeed adds substantial value to Becton's role in the team.
Readiness and Adaptability
Becton's own words further attest to his adaptable mindset. "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." His readiness to step in whenever needed is a quality that aligns with the team’s requirements, especially during unexpected injuries.
Despite the initial days off the field, Becton has firmly cemented his place as a valuable component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line. While the team has not disclosed the duration of Tyler Steen's absence, Becton's readiness ensures that the Eagles have a reliable substitute to fill the gap.
The dynamic between Becton and his teammates, combined with his impressive performance in a critical moment, bodes well for the Eagles. Whether he continues in the right guard spot or serves in a different capacity, Mekhi Becton's adaptability and commitment have already begun to make a significant impact.