Mekhi Becton's Journey to Right Guard: A Training Camp Chronicle
Mekhi Becton's transformation during the Eagles' training camp has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially facing difficulties against the formidable Jalen Carter, Becton’s persistence and dedication have led to significant improvements in his performance. As the camp progressed, the once-lopsided matchups between Becton and Carter grew increasingly balanced, showcasing Becton's growth and adaptability.
Now, as the Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the season, Becton is the frontrunner for the starting position at right guard. His journey has been closely watched, and his performance during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens provided a glimpse of what's to come.
In the Ravens game, Becton was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field. Despite being new to the right guard position, he performed credibly over eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen. This was his first experience playing right guard in a live game, an experience he described as a critical learning opportunity. "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 noted.
Guidance and mentorship have played crucial roles in Becton's adjustment to the new position. Cam Jurgens has been instrumental in advising Becton about the intricacies of playing right guard. "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," Jurgens explained.
Landon Dickerson also acknowledged Becton's swift adaptation and provided insight into his progress. "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," Dickerson stated. Dickerson further complimented Becton's determination and improvement, saying, "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."
At the core of Becton's progress is his focus on footwork and hands, vital elements for mastering the right guard role. Becton himself emphasized the importance of these fundamentals, saying, "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."
The development of Becton’s skills is not only a personal achievement but also a critical component for the Eagles' offensive line. As the season approaches, his improvement and adaptability will be pivotal for the team's performance. Becton's journey reflects the relentless effort and resilience required to excel in professional football, setting a promising tone for the season ahead.