As the Philadelphia Eagles ramp up their preparations for the upcoming NFL season, all eyes have been on Mekhi Becton, whose journey through training camp has been a testament to hard work and adaptability. Becton started training camp facing a daunting challenge, struggling in his matchups against defensive dynamo Jalen Carter. However, as the weeks progressed, Becton showcased significant improvement, steadily rising to the task.
Overcoming Early Struggles
Initially, Becton found it tough to balance his duels with Carter, but dedicated work and grit saw him starting to catch up. "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 shared, reflecting a competitive yet respectful rivalry that has pushed both players to their limits.
Emergent Success in a New Role
There is a keen sense of anticipation surrounding Becton, who quickly became the frontrunner for the coveted starting right guard position. His performance during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens only cemented his standing. In an encouraging display, Becton was the sole first-team starter on offense to take the field, marking his debut at right guard in a live-game scenario. He played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, a measured yet impactful on-field presence.
"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 candidly remarked post-game, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and refinement.
A Supportive Coaching and Peer Environment
Part of Becton's rapid adjustment can be attributed to a robust support system comprising both coaches and fellow players. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has played an instrumental role, alongside advice from teammates such as Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson. Jurgens offered insights into the intricacies of the right guard role: "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."
Dickerson, too, praised Becton's seamless transition: "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."
Focus on Fundamentals
Becton's improvement has been grounded in mastering the fundamentals. "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 noted, highlighting his methodical and disciplined approach to refining his skills. His emphasis on footwork and hand technique has been critical as he adapts to the nuances of his new position.
Landon Dickerson further affirmed Becton's progress, stating, "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."
Amid high expectations, Mekhi Becton’s ongoing development will be essential for the Eagles' offensive line in the forthcoming season. His ability to adapt and improve is not only promising for his individual career but also crucial for the broader team dynamics. The collective praise from coaches and teammates signifies a strong belief in Becton’s potential to excel, making him a player to watch as the Eagles gear up for Week 1.