In a pivotal move this offseason, Mekhi Becton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in May, adding significant depth to their offensive line. The former New York Jet was brought in with the expectation that he would serve primarily as a backup to tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, the Eagles' strategic vision for Becton extended beyond that role, encompassing a shift to the interior line as well.
Becton, whose tenure with the Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, has embraced this new challenge. During the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, he filled the void at left guard in the absence of Landon Dickerson, who was sidelined first for personal reasons and then by a lacerated toe. This opportunity has allowed Becton to adapt to the guard position, a transition he's navigating with a mix of enthusiasm and determination. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," Becton stated, reflecting his readiness to take on the new role.
The transition to guard from tackle is not merely a positional shift but also a significant change in gameplay dynamics. Becton himself articulated the differences: "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 rapid pace contrasts with his experience at tackle, where "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 physical attributes, particularly his impressive arm length, give him an edge in his new role. "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 explained. This could potentially allow him to effectively neutralize opposing defensive tackles, leveraging his unique physical tools.
As the Eagles head into training camp, Becton is preparing to compete for a more permanent spot on the starting lineup, particularly eyeing the right guard position. Although he has yet to play right guard, he is ready to step in and perform as needed. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he remarked, underscoring his commitment to the team's success. The forthcoming preseason games will be a critical testing ground for Becton, providing a clearer picture of his ability to adjust and perform under pressure.
Throughout this transitional period, Becton has exhibited a commendable attitude, demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he shared, reflecting a mindset that bodes well for his integration into the Eagles' system. His readiness to rise to any occasion is further evidenced by his own words: "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."
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Becton's role with the team. His ability to seamlessly transition to the guard position and his performance during training camp will ultimately dictate how he fits into the Eagles' offensive line. For now, Becton remains steadfast in his focus: "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."
Becton's journey with the Eagles is just beginning, but his blend of physical prowess, adaptability, and professional attitude suggests he could become a valuable asset for the team. As training camp heats up and preseason games approach, all eyes will be on Becton to see how he handles the pressures and challenges ahead. Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is clear: Mekhi Becton is determined to make the most of his opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles.