Training camp can be a crucible, a test of mettle for any player, and for Mekhi Becton, it has been no different. Arriving at the Eagles' camp, Becton faced significant challenges, particularly when matched against defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The initial sessions were tough for Becton; Carter's prowess seemed to set a high bar that Becton struggled to meet.
However, as the days passed and the heat of training camp intensified, so did Becton's abilities. His progress did not go unnoticed. "It's been fun," Becton remarked, reflecting on his evolving contests with Carter. "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."
The early struggles turned into balanced matchups between Becton and Carter, indicating a significant leap in Becton's skills. As preseason rolled around, Becton found himself in a noteworthy position, emerging as the frontrunner for the starting spot at right guard for the Eagles. This role is pivotal for Philadelphia as they prepare for Week 1 of the season.
First Live Game Experience
Becton's preseason debut came against the Baltimore Ravens. Interestingly, he was the sole first-team starter on the offense to take the field during the opener. Playing right guard, Becton experienced the position in a live game for the first time, chalking up eight snaps before Tyler Steen took over. Reflecting on this new experience, Becton acknowledged the invaluable role of game film review. "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 noted.
The transition hasn't been a solo journey. Guidance from teammates like Cam Jurgens has been instrumental in Becton's development. Jurgens shared insights into the nuanced aspects of the right guard position, especially emphasizing the importance of angles and the variability of defensive linemen. "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.
Recognized Improvement
Becton’s rapid adaptation and growing expertise have earned him praise from across the Eagles’ camp. Landon Dickerson, another key figure on the offensive line, has also taken note of Becton's 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," Dickerson stated.
"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, highlighting Becton's ongoing dedication and improvement.
Mastering the Fundamentals
Amidst the guidance and competitive practices, Becton has zealously focused on the technical details of his role. Footwork and hand placement have been critical areas of concentration. "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 stated confidently.
As the Eagles look toward the start of the regular season, Becton's journey from struggling at the outset to becoming a key contender for the starting right guard position symbolizes resilience and growth. His journey underscores the challenges and triumphs that define the path of professional athletes, providing a beacon of hope and inspiration for both teammates and fans alike.