As the NFL preseason unfolds, one player's journey through training camp has captured significant attention. Mekhi Becton, who began his training camp stint with the Philadelphia Eagles facing initial struggles, has shown notable progress, especially in matchups against defensive lineman Jalen Carter.
Becton’s early days at camp were challenging, marked by difficulties in matching up against Carter. However, as the days turned into weeks, Becton showcased a commendable level of improvement. "It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today. We went against each other, and you know I'm starting to catch up to him. I'm starting to get his number. We're starting to get each other's numbers. We’re working. Iron sharpens iron," Becton shared. This adjustment period has been pivotal in positioning Becton as a frontrunner for the Eagles' starting right guard spot as they near the season opener.
When the Eagles faced the Baltimore Ravens in their preseason opener, Becton was the lone first-team offensive starter to step onto the field. His stint was brief, playing just eight snaps, after which he made way for Tyler Steen. Despite its brevity, this game was a significant milestone for Becton, marking his first experience playing right guard in a live game scenario.
Reflecting on his performance, Becton acknowledged the learning curve he faces. "There’s always room for improvement on anything. This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game. Of course, I'm gonna look at the film with Stout [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it," he commented. This dedication to continuous improvement signals his commitment to mastering his new role.
Becton’s development has also been supported by his teammates. Cam Jurgens, who has closely observed Becton’s transition, noted, "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays. You're going to have two gappers, penetrators, different guys play different techniques, so figuring out how the footwork changes from each defensive guy and where that linebacker is and if we have certain motions where it may change our footwork." Such insights have been invaluable to Becton as he navigates the complexities of playing right guard.
Landon Dickerson echoed Jurgens' sentiments, praising Becton's adaptability. "A little bit of an adjustment for him, but the way he's built, the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness, I think right now he's really excelling at that position. And it is an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well." Dickerson's observations reflect the broader view within the team that Becton’s physical attributes and work ethic are aligning to make him a formidable player in his new position.
Moreover, Dickerson highlighted Becton’s daily progress, stating, "For him to make that transition and come inside, and the way he's been able to succeed in doing well in practice, and come out here every day and keep getting better, is impressive." Such recognition from teammates not only boosts Becton's confidence but also underscores the collective effort in nurturing his growth.
Becton himself remains focused on the fundamental aspects of his role. "It's still O-line at the end of the day. I still gotta get my hands. I still gotta do my footwork. It's just all about attacking my footwork and I did attack it," he remarked. By concentrating on these critical elements, Becton is steadily fortifying his capability as a right guard, ensuring he contributes effectively to the Eagles' offensive line.
As the preseason continues and the regular season looms, Mekhi Becton’s evolution will be closely watched. His journey so far exemplifies not only personal resilience but also the supportive environment within the Eagles organization, propelling him towards becoming a key component of their offensive lineup. With a blend of natural talent, hard-earned skills, and robust support, Becton's performance in the upcoming season holds promise for both himself and the team.