In a move that has drawn significant attention, the Philadelphia Eagles recently signed Mekhi Becton, a versatile offensive lineman whose adaptability is expected to play a crucial role this season. Originally brought in to serve as a swing tackle for starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, Becton’s journey with the Eagles has already taken an interesting turn.
Emerging Opportunities Through Injury
The departure point for Becton's enhanced role occurred when Tyler Steen suffered an ankle injury. Steen’s absence left a void at the starting right guard position, offering an unexpected opportunity for Becton to demonstrate his capabilities. During his first practice with the first team, Becton showcased his readiness and skill by lining up as the right guard and successfully neutralizing notable defensive threats, including Jalen Carter, in 11-on-11 drills.
“I’m looking forward to that,” noted Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. “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.”
A Deliberate and Patient Approach
Becton's start with the Eagles was initially slow, as he did not practice during the first few days of training camp. Despite this, he remained active and engaged on the sidelines, taking the time to learn from his teammates. This patience and willingness to absorb lessons from others earned him praise within the team.
“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,” Becton recalled.
Team Dynamics and Versatility
Inside the Eagles' locker room, Becton's role has been well-defined. He remains an essential part of the second-team offensive line, providing valuable depth across multiple positions—a critical asset for any NFL team contending with the physical demands of an entire season.
“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,” said Landon Dickerson, the Eagles' left guard. Dickerson's observations underscore the strategic importance of Becton’s versatility.
Recognizing the fluid nature of player availability due to injuries and other factors, Dickerson added, “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?”
Preparedness and Determination
Becton himself is mindful of his position within the team and carries a professional outlook regarding his readiness. “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,” he asserted. His statement reflects a high level of maturity and readiness to contribute whenever needed.
Remaining Questions
While the Eagles have not disclosed the duration of Tyler Steen's absence, Becton's commitment to the role provides the team with a buffer as they navigate through the season. As the Eagles continue to solidify their lineup and strategies, Becton's presence, both as a player and a mentor, is certain to prove beneficial.
The coming weeks will reveal more about how Becton's role evolves within this dynamic team. His adaptability and engagement, even from the sidelines, have already made a positive impact, promising a season where any call to action will be met with readiness and skill.