Mekhi Becton's Preseason Journey: Carving Out a New Role with the Eagles
Mekhi Becton began training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles, finding himself in challenging matchups against standout defensive lineman Jalen Carter. These early struggles set the tone for what would become a pivotal preseason for the young lineman. As camp progressed, Becton diligently worked on his craft, showing significant improvement and eventually starting to balance his matchups with Carter more evenly.
The hard work and dedication paid off, with Becton emerging as the frontrunner for the starting right guard position as the Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the season. His preseason efforts culminated in his participation in the opener against the Baltimore Ravens, where he was the only first-team starter on offense to take the field. Becton played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, marking his first time playing right guard in a live game.
Becton reflected on his performance and the importance of continuous improvement, stating, "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."
The role transition hasn't been without guidance. Cam Jurgens has been instrumental in providing advice on the nuances of the right guard position. "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 has also been keen to acknowledge Becton's adaptability and success. "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 observed.
The swift adjustment to the new position has not gone unnoticed among his peers. "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," Dickerson added, illustrating the hard work Becton has put into mastering the role.
Becton himself has continually emphasized the fundamentals, focusing on footwork and hand technique. "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 said, demonstrating his commitment to the core principles that underpin successful offensive line play.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, Becton's improvement and adaptability at the right guard position stand out as key factors for the team's offensive line. His journey through training camp and the preseason not only underscores his personal growth but also highlights the collaborative effort within the Eagles' offensive unit. With the regular season on the horizon, Becton's role will be crucial as he continues to refine his skills and contribute to the team's success.
"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 remarked, capturing the competitive yet supportive environment that has driven his progress.
In summary, Mekhi Becton's journey this preseason is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and the invaluable support system within the Eagles' offensive line. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Becton to see how his efforts translate on the field, showcasing the culmination of a rigorous and fruitful training camp.