In May, the Philadelphia Eagles made a calculated move by signing former New York Jets tackle Mekhi Becton. Expectations for Becton initially featured him as a backup for Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson at tackle. However, plans soon evolved, with the coaching staff envisioning Becton manning the guard position.
Becton’s time with the Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistency, but the Eagles saw potential in his impressive arm length and athleticism. During the mandatory minicamp, Becton stepped in at left guard—adapting swiftly to fill the gap left by Landon Dickerson, who was absent for personal reasons and later sidelined with a lacerated toe.
Adapting to a New Role
Becton's transition has been notable. Although he was brought in with the idea that he may need to adjust to the interior line, practical experience came sooner than expected. Becton took on the challenge of adapting to the guard position with determination and an open mind.
"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 stated, reflecting his readiness to seize any opportunity presented to him.
Despite the drastic switch in roles, Becton’s performance during minicamp and training camp has shown promise. Competing for the starting right guard position alongside rookie Tyler Steen, Becton has displayed a commendable effort and willingness to learn. He acknowledges the adjustment process but emphasizes his capability to adapt.
"It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he asserted.
Understanding the Shift
Becton detailed the differences between playing tackle and guard, shedding light on the nuances of each position. "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." This insight underscores the challenges and rapid pace of action at the guard spot, contrasting with the tackle position where players have a moment longer to assess the defense.
He continued, "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."
Becton's openness to learning and adapting has been a positive sign for the Eagles. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he shared. This mindset is crucial for any player making such a significant switch, as it promotes continuous improvement and a smooth transition.
Competitive Spirit in Training Camp
As training camp progresses, the competition for starting spots intensifies. Becton's focus is on staying prepared, regardless of whether he earns a starting role. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he asserted, epitomizing the team-first attitude valued in the Eagles' locker room.
The advantages Becton brings to the guard position are evident, particularly his arm length, which stands out against typical defensive tackles. Though he hasn’t fully identified all the drawbacks of his new role, Becton is optimistic. "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 noted.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Becton as he undergoes intensive scrutiny during training camp and preseason games. His performance in these settings will test his ability to adjust and perform under pressure, a vital aspect for any NFL player.
In the meantime, Becton remains steadfast in his approach. "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," he remarked, capturing his adaptability and readiness to embrace whatever role the team needs him to fill.
As the Eagles gear up for the new season, Mekhi Becton’s integration into the offensive line rotation will be a storyline worth monitoring, showcasing the resilience and versatility essential to succeeding in the NFL. Whether he starts at guard or assumes a backup role, his commitment to the team and readiness to perform will play a key part in Philadelphia's pursuit of success.