The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant addition to their offensive line by signing Mekhi Becton, the former New York Jets standout. Becton, who was initially brought in as a swing tackle to provide depth behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, appears to have quickly made a positive impact on the team.
Filling the Gap Left by Injury
The Eagles faced a critical situation when Tyler Steen, their projected starter at right guard, suffered an ankle injury. Steen's absence left a vacancy on the offensive line, a gap that Becton has swiftly filled. In his first practice with the first team, Becton lined up as the right guard and managed to neutralize Jalen Carter during 11-on-11 drills, showcasing his adaptability and talent.
Despite not practicing during the initial days of training camp, Becton remained actively engaged. He used this time on the sidelines to learn from his teammates, demonstrating a proactive approach to his new role. "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," Becton shared.
Coaching Confidence
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has expressed confidence in Becton's abilities and his potential to integrate into the starting lineup seamlessly. "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," Sirianni noted, emphasizing the positive impression Becton has left on the coaching staff.
Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard, also praised Becton's versatility and performance during camp. "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?" This adaptability is an asset, particularly in the NFL where injuries can necessitate rapid positional changes.
Versatile Asset
Becton's ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line adds substantial value to the Eagles roster. As Dickerson pointed out, "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." This flexibility not only offers depth but also provides strategic options for the coaching staff as they navigate the season.
Moreover, Becton's mindset and readiness to step up when needed is crucial for the team's dynamics. "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," Becton asserted. His readiness to contribute, whether as a starter or a backup, speaks volumes about his professionalism and team-oriented attitude.
Uncertain Timeline for Steen
While the team has not disclosed the exact duration of Tyler Steen's absence, Becton's preparedness offers some reassurance. Having an experienced player who can quickly adapt and perform at a high level helps mitigate the uncertainties surrounding Steen's recovery timeline. Becton's engagement and swift integration into the team's practice sessions hint at a potentially smooth transition in case Steen's absence extends.
Becton remains a vital part of the Eagles' second-team offensive line, yet his recent performance and the endorsement from coaches and teammates suggest that his role could evolve as the season progresses. His contribution during the critical moments of training camp has established him as a reliable option for the team, whether as a primary or backup player.
As the Eagles continue their preparations for the upcoming season, the addition of Mekhi Becton strengthens their offensive line, potentially filling a key role created by unforeseen injuries. With Becton's talent, versatility, and readiness, the Eagles' offensive line looks poised to tackle the challenges of the season ahead.