Eagles Reinforce Offensive Line with Mekhi Becton
The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their offensive line with the signing of Mekhi Becton, a significant addition ahead of the upcoming NFL season. Initially brought in to provide depth as a swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton has quickly found himself stepping into a more prominent role due to injuries on the roster.
One key injury was to Tyler Steen, who suffered an ankle injury, leaving the starting right guard position vacant. In a pivotal move, Becton was placed with the first-team offense during his initial practice as a right guard. There, he made an immediate impact by successfully neutralizing Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. This performance has underscored Becton's versatility and readiness to contribute significantly to the Eagles' offensive line.
"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," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni commented, expressing optimism about Becton's fit in the lineup.
Despite not practicing during the first few days of training camp, Becton utilized his time off the field to stay engaged. He absorbed strategies and techniques by observing his teammates and engaging in discussions. His proactive approach has not gone unnoticed by his fellow linemen. Landon Dickerson, who lines up as the Eagles' left guard, noted Becton's adaptive nature amidst lineup changes: "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?"
Additionally, Dickerson praised Becton's versatility, highlighting the value Becton brings to the NFL by being able to perform in multiple positions. "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," Dickerson added.
During his sideline spell early in training camp, Becton remained an active presence, offering feedback and guidance to his teammates. "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," said Becton, emphasizing his commitment to team success regardless of his on-field status.
Becton himself is confident in his preparedness and willingness to step up when needed. "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," he stated, showcasing a readiness to embrace any role the team requires him to play.
As the Eagles navigate the uncertainty surrounding Tyler Steen's absence—details of which have not been disclosed—Becton remains a valuable asset in the second-team offensive line. His performance and adaptability have already set a positive tone for his tenure with the Eagles, promising an exciting prospect for the team's offensive strategies as they prepare for the season ahead.