Mekhi Becton has taken a significant step forward in his football career during this year’s training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles. Initially struggling in his matchups against defensive force Jalen Carter, Becton has quickly shown marked improvement, gradually balancing their contests more evenly as the camp progressed.
As the Eagles prepare for Week 1 of the season, Becton has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting right guard position. His preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens provided a glimpse into his potential at this new role. Notably, Becton was the only first-team starter on offense to take the field and played eight snaps before stepping aside for Tyler Steen. This game marked Becton’s first live experience playing right guard.
Reflecting on his performance, Becton emphasized the importance of reviewing game film to refine his skills. "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," he commented.
Transition and Training
Becton’s transition to right guard has been facilitated by insights from seasoned peers such as Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson. Jurgens has been instrumental in advising Becton on the nuances of the position, discussing the variability in defensive linemen’s playstyles and the corresponding adjustments needed in footwork. "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.
Dickerson also acknowledged Becton’s rapid acclimatization to his new 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," he said. Dickerson went on to laud Becton’s steady improvement and daily dedication, noting, "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
Becton’s approach to mastering the right guard position has heavily focused on fundamental techniques. He has concentrated on refining his footwork and hand placement, critical skills for any offensive lineman. "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, underscoring his commitment to continuous improvement.
His determination and adaptability have not gone unnoticed, with his fellow teammates and coaches expressing confidence in his potential impact on the Eagles' offensive line. "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 stated, referring to his ongoing battles with Jalen Carter. This competitive spirit and mutual advancement bode well for the team as they aim to fortify their roster ahead of the regular season.
Mekhi Becton’s journey from a struggling training camp participant to a promising starting right guard is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. His progress, aided by the support and guidance of his teammates and coaches, exemplifies the collaborative and rigorous environment essential for success in professional football. As the Eagles edge closer to the start of the season, Becton's development will be pivotal in shaping the team's performance and cohesion on the field.