Mekhi Becton: The Emergence of a Key Player for the Eagles' Offensive Line
The Philadelphia Eagles' training camp brought to light substantial developments, with offensive lineman Mekhi Becton stealing a significant amount of the limelight. Becton's journey through the camp has been nothing short of compelling, showcasing his impressive adaptability and determination to secure a pivotal role in the team's lineup.
From Struggles to Strides
Initially, Becton faced a daunting challenge in the form of Jalen Carter. The early days of training camp saw Becton struggling against the formidable defensive lineman. Yet, instead of succumbing to these difficulties, Becton embraced the challenge. As the camp progressed, Becton managed to turn the tables, balancing his matchups with Carter more evenly and demonstrating significant improvement in his technique.
"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 others' numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron," Becton shared, reflecting on the competitive and motivational nature of his training sessions.
A Frontrunner for a Crucial Role
With his progress in training, Becton has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting position at right guard as the Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the season. His resume was further bolstered during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, where he was notably the only first-team starter on offense to take the field. Becton played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, offering a glimpse into his potential in a live game scenario.
This game marked a significant milestone for Becton, as it was his first time playing right guard in such a setting. Reflecting on this experience, he stated, "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’s commitment to continual learning and improvement is evident.
Support and Guidance from Teammates
Becton’s transition to the right guard position has been supported by his teammates, including Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson. Their advice and praise have been instrumental in Becton's development. Jurgens highlighted the nuanced nature of the position, sharing insights into the technical aspects Becton must master: "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."
Dickerson, who has closely observed Becton's progress, commented on his swift adjustment: "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." He further added, "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."
Mastering the Right Guard Role
Becton's focus on mastering the right guard position is apparent in his meticulous attention to footwork and hands. "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," Becton remarked, underscoring his dedication to refining the critical aspects of his play.
As Becton continues to hone his skills, his improvement and adaptability are expected to play a vital role in the success of the Eagles' offensive line this season. His journey from initial struggles to becoming a key player in the lineup showcases not only his resilience but also his potential to significantly contribute to the team's dynamics. With the support of his coaches and teammates, Becton appears poised to meet and possibly exceed the high expectations set for him, making him a player to watch as the season unfolds.