As the Philadelphia Eagles ramp up preparations for the upcoming season, all eyes are on Mekhi Becton. Initially joining the team's training camp under a cloud of uncertainty, Becton has proven himself to be a crucial asset for the Eagles, particularly in the right guard position.
Early Struggles and Rapid Improvement
When Becton first arrived at training camp, he struggled to find his footing in matchups against Jalen Carter. The battles between the two were intense, and it became evident that Becton had some catching up to do. However, as the days went by, Becton showed significant improvement, balancing his matchups with Carter more evenly. Reflecting on the experience, Becton mentioned, "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. We're starting to get each others' numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron."
A Strong Contender for the Starting Position
Becton's hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. His progress during training camp has positioned him as the frontrunner for the starting right guard role as the Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the season. Becton's first real test came during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. He was the only first-team starter on offense to take the field, showcasing his skills over eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen. This marked his debut as a right guard in a live game situation, further highlighting his adaptability and readiness for the position.
Learning from the Best
One significant factor contributing to Becton's improvement has been his commitment to reviewing game film with Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. "There's always room for improvement on anything," Becton asserted. "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 and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it." The guidance from seasoned teammates has also been invaluable. Cam Jurgens, for instance, has been providing advice on the intricacies of the right guard position. "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays," Jurgens explained. "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."
Peer Praise and Personal Determination
Becton's swift adjustment to his new role has garnered praise from within the team. Landon Dickerson acknowledged the challenge of transitioning to right guard but was quick to celebrate Becton's success. "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 continued, "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."
Focus on Fundamentals
Becton's attention to fundamental skills has been key to his adaptability. Focusing on specific aspects of his game, he has placed special emphasis on his footwork and hand usage. "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," noted Becton.
As the Eagles push forward with their preparations for the new season, the continuous improvement and adaptability of Mekhi Becton stand out as critical components for the offensive line’s success. With dedicated coaching, peer support, and a relentless drive to perfect his craft, Becton looks poised to make a significant impact in his new role, showcasing the kind of professional growth that elite teams rely upon.