Mekhi Becton Strives for Excellence in New Role
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the start of an exhilarating football season, one player has emerged as a key figure in the team’s offensive line narrative: Mekhi Becton. Originally training at camp alongside his teammates, Becton faced early struggles against formidable defensive lineman Jalen Carter. However, as training camp progressed, his trajectory shifted noticeably.
During those initial days, Becton found himself grappling with Carter’s vigorous defense. “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 working. Iron sharpens iron,” Becton recounted.
With each practice session, the offensive tackle turned right guard began showcasing significant improvement. His clashes with Carter became more balanced, a testament to his dedication and perseverance. This upward trend did not go unnoticed, and soon Becton was being touted as the frontrunner for the Eagles’ starting position at right guard as Week 1 of the season approached.
His commitment was on full display during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Impressively, Becton was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field, illustrating the coaching staff’s faith in his abilities. Logging eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, this game marked Becton’s first time playing right guard in a live setting.
Reflecting on the experience, he emphasized the value of refining his play. “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,” Becton shared.
It isn’t just Becton’s coaches noticing his improvement; his teammates have also been vocal about his progress. Veteran players like Cam Jurgens have offered sage advice on the intricacies of the right guard position. “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,” Jurgens explained.
Landon Dickerson, another key figure on the offensive line, also praised Becton's swift adaptation to his new role. “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 commented.
The combination of individual effort and collective guidance has been integral to Becton’s developmental journey. The feedback loop with his coaches and peers is proving instrumental in his growth. “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,” Dickerson added.
Becton himself is acutely aware of the elements he needs to perfect to master his position. “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 noted. This emphasis on fundamental techniques—footwork and hand placement—demonstrates Becton’s commitment to becoming an indispensable part of the Eagles' offensive line.
Indeed, as the Eagles set their sights on a successful season, Becton's marked improvement and adaptability will likely play a pivotal role. His journey from an uncertain start to becoming a front-runner for a starting position is emblematic of the resilience and hard work that define professional sports. With the support of his team and relentless personal drive, Mekhi Becton is poised to make a significant impact on the field this season.