As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the upcoming NFL season, one name has been making significant strides on the practice field: Mekhi Becton. Initially joining the Eagles' training camp and facing challenges in his matchups with defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Becton's journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Early Struggles and Rapid Improvement
The beginning of training camp saw Becton struggling to keep up with Jalen Carter, a formidable counterpart. However, Becton showcased his tenacity and resilience, improving with each passing day. By dedicating himself to rigorous practice sessions, he began to balance his matchups more evenly against Carter. Reflecting on this progress, Becton said, "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."
Securing the Starting Position
As training camp progressed, Becton emerged as the frontrunner for the starting right guard position, a critical role as the Eagles prepare for Week 1 of the season. His journey from initially struggling to becoming a leading contender highlights his dedication and adaptability.
Becton's hard work was evident during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. In this game, Becton was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field. He played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen. This marked Becton's first time playing right guard in a live game, an experience he took seriously. "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 shared.
Support and Guidance from Teammates
Becton’s transition to right guard was bolstered by the support and guidance from his teammates. Cam Jurgens, a fellow offensive lineman, provided valuable advice on the nuances of the 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, another teammate, acknowledged Becton’s rapid adjustment to the role. "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 noted. He added, "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."
Focus on Fundamentals
For Becton, mastering the right guard role has involved a keen focus on his footwork and hand techniques. "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 emphasized.
As the new season approaches, Becton’s improvement and adaptability will play a crucial role in fortifying the Eagles’ offensive line. His journey from initial struggles to becoming a pivotal player exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and dedication found in professional athletes. With continued support from his coaches and teammates, Mekhi Becton is poised to make a significant impact on the field.