In a surprising move this May, Mekhi Becton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, aiming for a fresh start after a turbulent tenure with the New York Jets. Becton, known for his impressive size and arm length, is expected to bolster the Eagles' offensive line, primarily serving as a backup to tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson.
Upon his arrival, the Eagles had plans to explore Becton’s versatility by slotting him into the guard position. The shift presented both challenges and opportunities for the former Jets player. Notably, Becton filled the gap at left guard during the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, stepping up when Landon Dickerson was absent due to personal reasons and later sidelined by a lacerated toe. This initial exposure allowed Becton to adapt to the more rapid, demanding role of an interior lineman.
Reflecting on this transition, Becton shared, "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." It's a stark contrast from the tackle position, where players have a few extra moments to assess and react to defensive tactics. "At tackle, 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," he explained.
Throughout the Eagles' training camp, Becton has been competing fervently to challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard position. Despite not having logged any minutes at right guard thus far, he remains the team's primary option to fill any void at guard positions. Becton emphasized his readiness for whatever role the Eagles might have in store for him, stating, "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."
Becton's dedication to his craft and willingness to adapt is apparent. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he asserted. His extensive arm length, typically advantageous against defensive tackles, adds another layer to his potential impact. "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," Becton noted.
As the offseason rigorous test rounds continue, Becton remains focused and driven, interested in contributing positively, regardless of the specific position he ultimately plays. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he said, showcasing a team-first mentality that resonates with the Eagles' culture. He has also found great value in learning from his teammates and soaking in the experience. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," Becton added.
With every snap, play, and scrimmage, the forthcoming preseason games will be crucial in determining Becton's role within the Eagles' lineup. His adaptability and preparation will be under the microscope, assessed meticulously by coaches and analysts. As Becton himself articulates, "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."
The coming weeks promise a close observation of Becton's performance as the Eagles fine-tune their roster for the upcoming season. His ability to transition from tackle to guard and dynamically fill any necessary role could prove vital for the Eagles' campaign. For now, Becton remains poised, confident, and prepared to contribute at a moment’s notice, ensuring he is ready whenever his number is called.