The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant addition to their roster by signing offensive lineman Mekhi Becton. Becton, initially recruited to serve as a swing tackle for starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, has quickly shown his versatility and value to the team.
The decision to bring Becton on board has gained more prominence following an ankle injury suffered by Tyler Steen, the team's starting right guard. This incident left a considerable gap in the Eagles' offensive line, prompting the coaches to explore new alignments during training sessions.
Becton, who did not participate in the early days of training camp, used his time on the sidelines to stay engaged and learn from his fellow teammates. This preparation proved beneficial during his first practice with the Eagles' first team when he stepped in as the right guard and effectively neutralized Jalen Carter during 11-on-11 drills. Coach Nick Sirianni lauded Becton's performance, stating, "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."
Mekhi Becton's Versatility and Impact
Becton's flexibility in playing multiple positions on the offensive line has been a significant asset. Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, highlighted Becton's adaptability: "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?" He further elaborated, "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."
The Philadelphia Eagles have not disclosed the duration of Tyler Steen's absence, putting a spotlight on Becton to fill the void. Becton remains a critical component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line, but it's clear that his readiness to step up when needed is crucial for the team's stability.
Building Chemistry and Readiness
One of the key elements to Becton's seamless integration into the Eagles' lineup has been his proactive approach during his non-practice days. He maintained close communication with his teammates, offering insights and learning from their experiences. Becton remarked on this, saying, "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."
The camaraderie and support among the Eagles' offensive line have not gone unnoticed. As Becton clearly understands his role and importance to the team, his comments reflected a poised and adaptable mindset: "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."
Looking Forward
Becton's performance and attitude offer a promising outlook for the Philadelphia Eagles as they navigate through training camp and prepare for the upcoming season. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure underscores the strategic depth he brings to the team's offensive line. While Tyler Steen's return date remains uncertain, Becton's presence assures the Eagles of a capable and prepared alternative, able to step into multiple positions as needed.
In summary, Mekhi Becton's addition to the Philadelphia Eagles' roster provides both immediate relief and long-term potential. His versatility, readiness, and team-oriented mindset exemplify the attributes crucial for the Eagles as they aim to strengthen their offensive line and advance through the season. The team's coaching staff and players alike have expressed confidence in Becton's abilities, and his contributions will undoubtedly be pivotal in the campaigns ahead.