The Philadelphia Eagles have made a strategic signing in bringing aboard Mekhi Becton. Initially recruited to serve as a swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton finds himself playing a crucial role earlier than anticipated. With Tyler Steen sidelined due to an ankle injury, a vacancy at the starting right guard position has thrust Becton into the limelight sooner than expected.
During his first practice with the first team, Becton notably lined up as the right guard and showcased his skills by neutralizing standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. His performance quickly turned heads, and his adaptability was further underscored by his immediate impact. Despite not participating in the initial days of training camp, Becton made the most of his time off the field, staying engaged and learning from his teammates.
Nick Sirianni, the Eagles' head coach, expressed his enthusiasm about Becton's addition to the team. "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," Sirianni stated. This signifies the coaching staff's confidence in Becton's ability to seamlessly integrate into the starting lineup.
Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, also commended Becton's versatility and work ethic. "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 noted. His remarks highlight the unpredictability of an NFL season and the value of having a player like Becton who can adapt to multiple positions.
Dickerson further elaborated on the significance of Becton's versatility, explaining, "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." This adaptability is invaluable for any team, particularly one aiming for a deep playoff run where depth and flexibility on the offensive line can be game-changers.
Becton himself acknowledged the learning curve and the contribution of his teammates in helping him acclimate. "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," Becton mentioned, speaking of the guidance he received from a fellow teammate. This speaks to the cohesive and supportive environment within the Eagles' camp, fostering the development of new entries.
Despite the unforeseen opportunity to compete for a starting position, Becton maintains a team-first mentality. "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," Becton said, displaying a professional attitude towards his role within the team.
The duration of Tyler Steen's absence remains undisclosed, but Becton's ability to step up and switch roles when needed provides a safety net for the Eagles. As of now, Becton remains a vital component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line, ready to transition to a starter's role if necessary.
The Eagles' strategy in acquiring versatile players like Becton underscores the importance of depth and adaptability in building a championship-caliber team. With the regular season ahead, the team will undoubtedly benefit from Becton's readiness and versatility, ensuring that the offensive line remains formidable regardless of injuries or other unforeseen challenges.