Philadelphia Eagles fans have their eyes set on Mekhi Becton, a player who's not just settling but surging in his new role as right guard. Initially facing some teething troubles at the start of the training camp, particularly against defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Becton now demonstrates a promising blend of resilience and adaptability.
After a rocky start, Becton's marked improvement during the training camp caught the attention of both coaches and teammates. His bouts against Carter are becoming more evenly matched, showcasing Becton's increasing prowess and understanding of the game. "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 other's numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron," Becton shared, highlighting his determination and competitive spirit.
That spirit was on full display during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite being his first time playing right guard in a live game, Becton was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field. Although he played just eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, it was a significant moment for Becton, marking a new chapter in his career. "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 reflected.
As Becton adjusts to his new role, he isn't doing it alone. Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson, established figures in the Eagles’ offensive line, have both lent their support and advice, ensuring a smoother transition for Becton. Jurgens emphasized the importance of understanding the nuances that come with different defensive techniques. "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 elaborated.
Dickerson also acknowledged Becton's rapid adaptation. His observations suggest Becton's unique physical attributes are making the transition smoother. "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 pointed out. This admiration extends beyond practice fields, as Dickerson further noted, "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."
For Becton, the crux of mastering the right guard position boils down to the fundamentals: footwork and hand techniques. Always the student, he remains focused on refining his craft. "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 with a seasoned player's wisdom.
As the Eagles prepare for Week 1 of the season, Becton is widely considered the frontrunner for the starting right guard position. His growth from a shaky start to a potentially key player in the Eagles’ offensive line speaks volumes about his commitment and adaptability. Reviewing game films with Coach Stoutland and implementing tactical advice from seasoned teammates are all part of the journey for Becton. His improvement is crucial not just for his own career but also for the Eagles' ambitions this season.
Eagles fans and team members alike are optimistic about what Becton brings to the table. His continuous development promises a robust and resilient offensive line, ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming NFL season. As the days progress, all eyes will be on Mekhi Becton, watching his journey with a sense of hopeful anticipation and excitement.