Eagles Fortify Offensive Line with Mekhi Becton Signing
Eagles Fortify Offensive Line with Mekhi Becton Signing
The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant roster move by signing offensive lineman Mekhi Becton. Initially brought in to serve as a versatile swing tackle, Becton finds himself already stepping into a more prominent role due to unexpected injuries.
Tyler Steen's recent ankle injury has created a gap at the starting right guard position, a vacancy that Becton was quick to fill. During his first practice session with the first team, Becton lined up as the right guard and impressively neutralized rising defensive star Jalen Carter in 11-on-11 drills. His performance could not have come at a more opportune time as the Eagles' coaching staff looks to maintain stability along the offensive line.
Mekhi Becton's Immediate Impact
Becton did not participate in the initial days of training camp, instead using his downtime to stay engaged and learn from his teammates. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has noticed the lineman's commitment and potential. "I'm looking forward to that. 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," Sirianni commented.
Despite the early setbacks, Becton's versatility and readiness to step in have impressed his teammates as well. Veteran left guard Landon Dickerson praised Becton's adaptability, stating, "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?"
A Valuable Asset to the Team
The willingness and ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line are invaluable in the NFL, and Becton has demonstrated both. As Dickerson put it, "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." This flexibility not only helps with immediate injury concerns but also adds depth to the roster as the season progresses.
Becton himself has taken a pragmatic approach to his role on the team. "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 stated. His commitment to staying prepared not only highlights his professional attitude but also bodes well for the Eagles' offensive line rotation.
Filling the Gap Left by Tyler Steen
The Eagles have yet to disclose how long Tyler Steen will be out, leaving an air of uncertainty around the duration of Becton's tenure as a starter. However, his impact in practice has been clear. "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 mentioned, reflecting on his own integration process within the team.
Landon Dickerson will continue his role as the left guard, while the coaching staff and fans await further developments regarding Steen's recovery. In the meantime, Becton's dynamic skill set has added an extra layer of reliability and talent to a position plagued by recent injuries.
Looking Forward
While it remains uncertain how long Becton will hold the starting right guard position, his initial performance and readiness have undoubtedly added a valuable asset to the Eagles' offensive line. His presence as a reliable second-team offensive lineman also boosts the overall depth and flexibility of the team.
As the Eagles continue their training camp and move closer to the regular season, the performance of versatile players like Becton could become crucial in maintaining a strong and adaptable offensive front. Coach Sirianni's positive remarks and Becton's own dedicated mindset suggest that this recent acquisition could play a significant role in the Eagles' upcoming campaign.
