The Evolution of Mekhi Becton: From Struggles to Success at Eagles Training Camp
Mekhi Becton embarked on his journey with the Philadelphia Eagles at the start of this year's training camp, initially facing tough matchups against a formidable opponent, Jalen Carter. Despite early struggles, Becton showcased his resilience and determination, marking an impressive turnaround as the camp progressed.
"It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today. We went against each other and you know I'm starting to catch up to him. I'm starting to get his number," Becton commented on his evolving competition with Carter. "We're starting to get each others' numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron."
The 6-foot-7 offensive lineman’s journey through training camp saw significant strides. By the end of the period, Becton was not just holding his own but competing evenly with one of the Eagles' top defensive talents. His improvements were substantial enough to position him as the frontrunner for the starting right guard spot as the Eagles prepare for Week 1 of the NFL season.
The preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens provided a crucial test for Becton, marking his first appearance at right guard in a live game. Notably, he was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field, playing eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen.
"There's always room for improvement on anything. This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game," Becton reflected. "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."
Guidance and support from his teammates have been instrumental in Becton's swift adaptation to the right guard position. Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson, both seasoned players on the Eagles' offensive line, have offered crucial insights and advice, helping Becton navigate the nuanced demands of his new role.
"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," explained Jurgens, highlighting the complexities Becton has had to master.
Dickerson also praised Becton’s physical attributes and their contribution to his quick progress. "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."
"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," Dickerson added, underscoring the significance of Becton's daily improvement.
Central to Becton’s progress has been his focus on fundamentals, particularly footwork and hand placement. Understanding that mastery of these core elements is essential, Becton has committed himself to relentless practice.
"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 detailed, capturing his dedication to refining these skills.
Becton's performance in training camp and the preseason is a promising indicator of his potential impact on the Eagles' offensive line. His adaptability and improvement are not only a personal victory but also a critical asset for the team's success in the upcoming season.
As Week 1 approaches, Becton’s journey from early struggles to a contender for the starting right guard position highlights his tenacity and the supportive environment fostered by the Eagles’ coaching staff and fellow players. The anticipation surrounding his role continues to build, with expectations that his upward trajectory will significantly bolster the Eagles' offensive capabilities.