The Philadelphia Eagles have made a notable addition to their roster by signing Mekhi Becton. Originally anticipated to serve as a swing tackle to support starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton has swiftly demonstrated his versatility and value, especially given the recent challenges faced by the team's offensive line.
A Shift in Role
The signing of Becton became particularly significant after Tyler Steen, the team's starting right guard, suffered an ankle injury. This development created a vacancy that needed immediate attention. Becton, despite not practicing during the initial days of training camp, quickly found himself in a pivotal role. In his very first practice with the first team, Becton lined up as the right guard and successfully neutralized Jalen Carter during the 11-on-11 drills, showcasing his adaptability and readiness.
Learning and Adapting
Although Becton missed the initial practice days, he did not let this time go to waste. Instead, he remained engaged and absorbed valuable insights from his teammates. Eagles' left guard, Landon Dickerson, spoke highly of Becton’s proactive approach, saying, "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."
Such dedication has not gone unnoticed. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni commended Becton, stating, "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."
Versatility on Display
Becton's ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line adds significant depth to the Eagles' squad. Landon Dickerson highlighted this, referring to Becton's capacity to adapt, "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?" Dickerson further elaborated on Becton's value, noting, "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."
Ready for the Call
Becton himself remains focused and prepared, emphasizing his readiness to step in whenever needed. He addressed his approach, stating, "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."
As the Eagles continue through training camp, the exact duration of Tyler Steen's absence remains undisclosed. However, Becton's performance has already provided a sense of assurance that the offensive line will maintain its strength and flexibility. His contributions, both on and off the field, underscore the importance of having versatile and team-oriented players on the roster. Whether serving as a starter or a vital component of the second-team lineup, Mekhi Becton is proving to be a valuable acquisition for the Philadelphia Eagles.