Mekhi Becton: A New Journey with the Philadelphia Eagles
In May, Mekhi Becton took a significant step forward in his career by signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his impressive arm length and physical prowess, Becton joined the team primarily as a backup tackle for Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, the Eagles had other plans, envisioning Becton’s transition to guard—a position that requires rapid adjustments and a different set of skills compared to tackle.
Becton’s introduction to the Eagles was marked by a series of adjustments and challenges. Initially, he filled in at left guard during the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, thanks to the absence of Landon Dickerson, who was dealing with personal matters and a subsequent lacerated toe injury. This unexpected role provided Becton an opportunity to showcase his versatility and adaptability on the interior line.
"I know I'm not, like that wasn't the thing when they signed me here," Becton remarked about his preparedness and acceptance of the new role. "I don't have to get ready. I just know when my number is called I'm always gonna be ready."
Becton’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. During his tenure with the New York Jets, he grappled with injuries and inconsistent play, which made his transition to the Eagles both a fresh start and a significant test of his resilience. Moving from his familiar tackle position to guard posed a unique set of challenges, but Becton approached it with an optimistic and adaptive mindset.
"It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," Becton said confidently. Despite not having played right guard yet, he remains a serious contender to compete with Tyler Steen for the starting right guard position during training camp.
The rapid pace of playing guard contrasts sharply with the more calculated approach a tackle can employ. Becton elaborated, "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 adaptation process has tested Becton’s ability to remain agile and decisive under pressure.
At the nucleus of this transition is Becton’s willingness to learn and evolve. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It’s a fun thing to do," he noted, reflecting his dedication to improving and integrating seamlessly with his teammates. This willingness to absorb knowledge could prove to be a game-changer as he finds his footing with the Eagles.
The coming weeks of training camp and preseason games will be crucial for Becton, as they will ultimately determine his role within the team. With his remarkable physical attributes, especially his arm length, Becton anticipates leveraging his strengths to his advantage. "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 commented.
Becton’s resolve and readiness have been consistent themes throughout his transition. "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 stated, encapsulating his commitment to being prepared under any circumstance.
Whether he steps up as a starting guard or remains a crucial backup, Becton’s presence adds depth and flexibility to the Eagles' offensive line. His journey with the Eagles will certainly be one to watch, with each practice and game providing insights into his evolution as a lineman. Becton himself puts it succinctly, "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready."
As Becton continues to adapt and prepare, the support from the Eagles coaching staff and his fellow teammates will be instrumental in guiding him through this pivotal phase of his career. The upcoming training camp will not only test Becton’s abilities but also highlight his potential to be a key player for the Eagles. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Becton can rise to the occasion and solidify his role on the team.