A Steady Climb: Mekhi Becton’s Rapid Evolution at Right Guard
As training camp opened, the Philadelphia Eagles' Mekhi Becton faced a steep learning curve. Tasked with transitioning to the right guard position, Becton found himself initially outmatched by defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Nevertheless, Becton’s trajectory through training camp has been marked by a remarkable and consistent improvement.
Becton's early difficulties in handling Carter’s pressure were a part of a critical learning phase. "It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today," Becton observed about his ongoing duels with Carter. "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."
As training camp progressed, Becton began balancing the scales against Carter, demonstrating a growing mastery of his new role. With Week 1 of the season approaching, Becton’s rapid improvement has positioned him as the frontrunner for the starting role at right guard for the Eagles.
In the Eagles' preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Becton was the only first-team starter on the field for the offense, a significant vote of confidence from the coaching staff. In his first live game experience at right guard, Becton played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen. Reflecting on the experience, he emphasized the importance of reviewing game tape to refine his skills further. "There's always room for improvement on anything. 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 [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it."
Key figures within the Eagles organization have recognized and supported Becton’s adaptation to the new role. Cam Jurgens, who has been a source of advice for Becton regarding the intricacies of the right guard position, spoke to this: "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."
Landon Dickerson also praised Becton's capability to transition efficiently, highlighting the physical and mental adjustments necessary. "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 added, "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."
The combination of physically adapting and mentally digesting the right guard role’s requirements has been at the core of Becton's training. He has focused intensively on fine-tuning his footwork and hand technique, critical components of a lineman’s success. "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 explained.
The upcoming season will test Becton's integration into the Eagles' offensive line, but his swift progress is promising. The depth of his commitment and the tangible gains made during training camp set the stage for what could be a defining season for the young player. For Becton, the journey from initial struggles to emerging as a key player has been a testament to hard work, guidance, and the constant pursuit of improvement.