The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant move by signing Mekhi Becton, a player added initially to serve as a swing tackle for their cornerstone offensive linemen, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. This acquisition comes at a crucial moment as the team contends with an ankle injury to Tyler Steen, which has left a gap at the starting right guard position.
An Unexpected Transition
Becton's transition to the right guard spot appears seamless. During his inaugural practice with the first team, he was assigned to the right guard position, where he impressed by neutralizing Jalen Carter during 11-on-11 drills. His performance has filled a critical need for the Eagles, who were left vulnerable by Steen’s injury.
"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," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni mentioned, highlighting Becton's value and adaptability.
Adaptive Versatility
Landon Dickerson, the team’s left guard, emphasized the significance of Becton's versatility. “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 said.
Becton’s ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line offers the Eagles a vital asset. "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," Dickerson added. This level of adaptability is rare and crucial for a team aiming to have a versatile and injury-resilient lineup.
Making the Most of Idle Time
Becton's integration into the team has been proactive, despite his initial inactivity at the start of training camp. He made the most of his time on the sidelines by staying engaged with teammates and absorbing the necessary knowledge. His dedication did not go unnoticed. “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,” said Becton, underscoring his commitment to the team despite not being on the field initially.
Coach Sirianni’s comments complemented this sentiment, indicating trust in Becton's potential contributions. The Eagles are still in the dark about the duration of Tyler Steen's absence, rendering Becton’s readiness even more critical.
Future Implications
The eagerness Becton brings shines through his own words. "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 said, demonstrating his team-first mentality and preparedness for whatever role he is asked to fill.
As it stands, Becton remains a pivotal component of the Eagles' second-team offensive line. His performance and versatility provide the depth and security the Eagles urgently need as they move through the season.
The Eagles' latest signing reflects their strategic approach towards building a resilient, flexible roster. With players like Mekhi Becton ready to step in and excel at multiple positions, the Eagles can feel more confident about their offensive line's depth and stability, imperative attributes for a successful run in any competitive NFL season.