Mekhi Becton Joins Eagles: A Journey of Adaptation and Determination
In May, Mekhi Becton took a significant leap in his professional football career by signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. This move is poised to reshape the 24-year-old's journey as he transitions from the New York Jets, where injuries and inconsistent play overshadowed his promising potential.
Becton's arrival in Philadelphia has been marked by his expected role as a backup for the Eagles' standout tackles, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. However, the team has strategized differently, planning for Becton to strengthen their interior line by playing at the guard position. This shift comes at a pivotal time, particularly in light of Landon Dickerson's recent absences due to personal reasons and a lacerated toe injury. During the Eagles' mandatory minicamp, Becton aptly filled the gap at left guard, showcasing his adaptability and readiness.
Adapting to a new role is never an easy feat, but Becton has embraced the challenge, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to learn. "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," he said, emphasizing his perpetual readiness and team-oriented mindset.
Indeed, the transition from tackle to guard involves a distinct set of skills and quick decision-making. Becton elaborated on this adjustment, saying, "It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it." He further explained the different dynamics at play: "Guard, it happens way faster. You don't have time to say, you just gotta settle with what you gotta settle with. 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. At tackle, you got a little bit of time to see what [the defense] is doing. You have time to figure out if you're in the right spot or not." This insight underscores the immediacy and intensity of playing guard compared to the slightly more deliberate nature of the tackle position.
Competition and Growth
Despite the challenges, Becton is not just settling for a backup role. Throughout training camp, he has been competing fiercely to challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot. While Becton has yet to play right guard, his performance and consistency in training will ultimately determine his place on the team. "If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready," he stated, reinforcing his commitment to contribute in any capacity.
Becton's impressive arm length, which stands out even among his peers, is a notable advantage in his new position. He highlighted this by noting, "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." His physical attributes, coupled with his learning mindset, position him for potential success. "I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do," he added, showing his enthusiasm for growth and continuous improvement.
As the Eagles progress through training camp and enter the preseason, all eyes will be on Becton. These weeks are crucial as they will test his ability to adjust and perform under pressure. His focus remains on being prepared for any scenario, saying, "I don't know what I'm gonna be when I come in here. Once I step on the field, I know I gotta be ready for whatever." This readiness will be key as the team evaluates his role moving forward.
The Road Ahead
Mekhi Becton's journey with the Philadelphia Eagles is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite past setbacks, he remains a valuable asset with the potential to significantly impact the team's offensive line. Whether he ends up as a starter or a reliable backup, Becton's presence adds depth and versatility to the Eagles' roster. His commitment to being ready whenever the team needs him reflects a professional attitude that can only bode well for his future contributions.
As the season unfolds, Becton's performance in training camp and preseason games will be pivotal in determining his exact role with the team. His journey so far highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the importance of seizing opportunities whenever they arise.
The coming weeks will indeed be telling for Mekhi Becton and the Philadelphia Eagles, as they navigate the complexities of the NFL season with an eye on maximizing their roster's potential.