Mekhi Becton’s Renaissance with the Philadelphia Eagles
In a surprising turn of events, Mekhi Becton, the imposing former New York Jets tackle, has found a new home with the Philadelphia Eagles. Signed in May, Becton was originally brought in as a backup for the formidable duo of Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, his role quickly evolved, proving his versatility and resilience.
Becton arrived in Philadelphia amid concerns about his history of injuries and inconsistent play during his tenure with the Jets. Yet, circumstances paved the way for an unexpected opportunity. With Landon Dickerson absent for personal reasons and later sidelined by a lacerated toe, Becton stepped in to fill the gap at left guard during the Eagles' mandatory minicamp.
"I know I'm not, like that wasn't the thing when they signed me here,” Becton reflected candidly. “I don't have to get ready. I just know when my number is called I'm always gonna be ready."
Embracing the Challenge
The transition to the interior line has not been without its challenges. Becton acknowledged the stark differences between the tackle and guard positions. "Guard, it happens way faster. You don't have time to say, you just gotta settle with what you gotta settle with," Becton explained. "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."
Despite these adjustments, Becton has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for the new role. His impressive arm length, typically an asset against defensive tackles, has given him a physical edge. "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 noted.
Training camp has become a proving ground for Becton, as he competes to challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot. These preseason games will be crucial in evaluating his ability to adapt and perform under pressure. So far, Becton has not played right guard yet, but he remains readily poised to fill the void when needed.
"It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it," Becton stated with confidence. His adaptability and readiness have not gone unnoticed by the Eagles' coaching staff, who view him as a versatile piece of their offensive line puzzle. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he added.
A Humble Student of the Game
Becton's willingness to learn and grow has also stood out during his time with the Eagles. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he shared, highlighting his commitment to improving his craft and integrating with the team. This eagerness to absorb knowledge from his peers and coaches has been crucial to his acclimatization to the new environment in Philadelphia.
Looking ahead, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining Becton’s role with the Eagles. The coaching staff will keenly observe his performance in training camp and preseason games, assessing whether his potential can translate into consistent in-game success. For Becton, the objective is clear: be ready at all times and seize the moment when his number is called.
"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 emphasized, encapsulating his determined mindset.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, opportunities are often fleeting. Players like Becton, who exhibit a readiness to adapt and a willingness to learn, stand the best chance of seizing those opportunities. Whether he ultimately starts or provides depth off the bench, Becton's journey with the Eagles is a testament to his resilience and adaptability, qualities that will serve him well in the challenging arena of the NFL.