Mekhi Becton's Fresh Start with the Eagles: Embracing Adaptation and Opportunity
In what could be a pivotal turn in his career, Mekhi Becton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in May. The former New York Jets tackle was brought in with the expectation that he would serve as a backup for Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson at tackle positions. However, the Eagles' plans showcased their flexibility, with Becton soon finding himself adjusting to playing at guard—a necessary move propelled by various team circumstances.
The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. During his tenure with the Jets, Becton faced numerous hurdles, including injury woes and inconsistent play. Yet these adversities seem to have imbued him with a resilient mindset. The minicamp presented his first significant test when Landon Dickerson, the starting left guard, was sidelined by a lacerated toe following an absence for personal reasons. It was up to Becton to fill this gap, and he embraced the role effectively.
“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,” Becton remarked, reflecting his unwavering readiness to contribute in any capacity required.
Becton’s adaptability was evident during the mandatory minicamp. While originally anticipated to challenge for the starting right guard spot against rookie Tyler Steen, Becton found himself on the interior line early on, showcasing his flexibility. His impressive arm length has also been noted—a distinct advantage over typical defensive tackles, affording him a greater reach in blocking assignments.
“It's an adjustment, but it's not a hard adjustment. I can do it,” Becton noted about his new responsibilities. His confidence in handling the more compact and rapid demands of the guard position has been palpable. “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.”
This shift has been a notable change from his experience at tackle, where he had more time to read the defense and situate himself appropriately. Becton highlighted the difference, saying, “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.”
His immersion into his new role hasn’t been isolating. Becton has continuously looked to his teammates and daily practices to hone his skill set. “I just learn from everybody all day every day. It's a fun thing to do,” he shared, indicating his enthusiasm for growth and adaptation.
Looking ahead to the training camp and preseason games, Becton’s readiness and performance will be critical. He is not just filling in but is positioning himself as a genuine contender for a starting role. “If I can start, I'll start. If I don't, I'll be ready,” Becton emphasized, showing his competitive nature alongside a team-first mentality.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly be crucial in determining Becton's role with the Eagles. His focus on adaptability and readiness underscores his professional ethos. “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,” he stated, highlighting his preparedness for any scenario.
Becton’s journey with the Eagles is still in its early stages, but the signs are promising. His transition from tackle to guard, adaptability, and the competitive spirit he has showcased position him as a valuable asset for the team. As training camp and preseason challenge him further, Becton remains focused on excelling in any role required, ready to seize the opportunity to rebuild and redefine his career trajectory.