The Philadelphia Eagles have made a noteworthy addition to their roster by signing Mekhi Becton. Initially brought in to serve as a swing tackle for starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton’s versatility is already proving pivotal for the Eagles.
The urgency to incorporate Becton into the starting lineup arose following an unfortunate ankle injury to Tyler Steen, leaving the right guard position vacant. The Eagles have not yet disclosed the duration of Steen's absence, which presses the need for finding reliable replacements.
Early Impressions and Performance
In his first practice with the first team, Becton swiftly adapted to his new role as right guard, particularly impressing by neutralizing standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter during 11-on-11 drills. Coach Nick Sirianni remarked, "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."
Although he did not participate in the initial days of training camp, Becton remained actively involved, staying engaged and learning from his teammates. Reflecting on this period, Becton said, "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."
Versatility and Value
The value of Becton's versatility cannot be understated. He is capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line, which is a prized asset in the NFL. Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, highlighted this flexibility: "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." Dickerson continued, praising his adaptability amidst the team's current situation, "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?"
Becton himself appears unfazed by the fluidity of his role. He’s prepared to step up whenever required, demonstrating a commendable 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 asserted.
The Road Ahead
As it stands, Becton remains a crucial component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line. His integration into the starting lineup depends largely on Tyler Steen's recovery timeline. Regardless, his versatility and proactive approach make him an invaluable asset to the team.
The Eagles will continue their training camp in preparation for the upcoming NFL season, with hopes that players like Becton can maintain the depth and resilience needed to endure the rigors of professional football. As Coach Sirianni and the Eagles organization look to refine their lineup, Becton's performance and attitude will be pivotal in bolstering the offensive line’s stability and effectiveness.