In a surprising and strategic move in May, Mekhi Becton joined the Philadelphia Eagles roster, stepping into a pivotal role with the team. Initially signed as a backup with the expectation to cover for Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton has rapidly evolved into a key player filling the left guard position during the Eagles' mandatory minicamp.
Adapting to Guard
Becton’s transition hasn’t been without challenges. His tenure with the New York Jets was marred by injuries and inconsistent performance. Nonetheless, Becton's versatility and readiness have been crucial for the Eagles, particularly given Landon Dickerson's absence due to personal reasons, followed by a lacerated toe. During this period, Becton demonstrated his adaptability to the interior line position, an area where he had scant experience.
Despite these transitions, Becton remains unphased. "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," he said. His confidence shines through as he adapts to the faster-paced setup of playing guard. "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he added.
Competing for a Starting Role
The training camp provided Becton with an opportunity to compete vigorously for the starting right guard position alongside Tyler Steen. Although he hasn't yet played right guard, Becton has showcased his willingness to adapt and learn. His primary focus is on seizing opportunities as they arise, saying "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready."
Becton's understanding of his role and his strategic mindset are evident. He explains the nuances between playing tackle and guard: "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. 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."
Preparation and Mindset
Becton's preparation extends beyond the physical. Mentally, he is always in a state of readiness, eager to contribute wherever the team needs him most. "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 remarked. This mindset aligns perfectly with the Eagles’ philosophy of flexibility and preparedness.
Physical Attributes
One undeniable advantage Becton brings to the table is his impressive arm length, a trait that gives him a significant edge over typical defensive tackles. Reflecting on this, Becton said, "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." This physical attribute, combined with his growing expertise, positions Becton as a formidable player in the Eagles' lineup.
Looking Forward
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Becton as the training camp and preseason games will test his ability to adjust and perform under pressure. His focus remains on being ready and accepting whatever role is needed for the success of the team. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he notes, underscoring his commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation.
Becton’s journey with the Eagles is still evolving, yet his determination to succeed and his readiness to adapt whenever called upon gives the team a valuable asset. As he continues to compete and refine his skills, the Eagles’ coaching staff and fans alike will be watching closely to see where Becton ultimately fits into their strategy for success this season.