Mekhi Becton's Journey with the Philadelphia Eagles: From Backup Option to Key Contender
In a move that surprised many, Mekhi Becton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in May. Initially brought in to serve as a backup for veteran tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, the former New York Jets lineman has steadily made his presence felt in the interior line position during the Eagles' mandatory minicamp.
Becton's arrival in Philadelphia comes after a challenging stint with the Jets, where injuries and inconsistent play marred his young career. The Eagles, however, see potential in the 24-year-old, planning for him to contribute at guard—a role that requires a distinct skill set compared to his original tackle position.
As Landon Dickerson dealt with personal matters and subsequently suffered a lacerated toe, Becton seamlessly filled the gap at left guard during minicamp. His adaptation to the fast-paced demands of the interior line has been noteworthy. "Guard, it happens way faster. You don’t have time to say, you just gotta settle with what you gotta settle with," Becton explained. "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."
Despite the challenges, Becton has shown resilience and a willingness to learn from his teammates. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It’s a fun thing to do," he mentioned, embracing the shift in responsibilities. His arm length, which stood out during his college and initial professional years, offers a tactical advantage against defensive tackles, though he remains cautious about the potential disadvantages. "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."
The Eagles have high hopes for Becton, and the upcoming training camp and preseason games will be pivotal in determining his role on the team. He is actively competing for the starting right guard spot, presently held by Tyler Steen. However, Becton has not yet played at right guard, which introduces another layer of adaptation in his journey. "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," Becton reassured.
As the Eagles' coaching staff evaluates his performance under pressure, Becton remains prepared to step up whenever needed. "If I can start, I’ll start. If I don’t, I’ll be ready," he stated, highlighting his team-first mentality and commitment to contributing wherever necessary. His readiness to adjust has already been tested during his time with the team, and he has shown that he's up for the challenge.
While Becton's career has had its ups and downs, his current focus is on making the most of his opportunity with the Eagles. "It’s an adjustment, but it’s not a hard adjustment. I can do it," he affirmed confidently. The determination in his voice is evident as he tackles the demands of his new role and integrates into the Eagles' offensive line strategy.
In the coming weeks, Becton's adaptability, resilience, and performance will be closely monitored by both the coaching staff and the fans. His journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and his ability to overcome past adversities while embracing new challenges. Whether serving as a reliable backup or earning a starting position, Mekhi Becton is committed to being an asset to the Philadelphia Eagles whenever his number is called.