Becton's Road to Dominance at Right Guard
Mekhi Becton's journey at the Eagles' training camp has been marked by challenges, rapid improvement, and the potential for a key role in the upcoming season. The offensive lineman's transformation was evident from the first day of camp, as he initially struggled but eventually balanced his matchups against notable players like Jalen Carter.
"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 other’s numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron," Becton reflected on his evolving encounters with Carter.
Initially struggling, Becton showed a determination to enhance his skill set, a pivotal step as he aims for the starting position at right guard. Observers at camp noted not only his adaptability but also a consistent improvement in his footwork and hand techniques.
Becton's development was not done in isolation. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland played an instrumental role in his preparation, as did his interactions with teammates. "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 and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it," Becton remarked, highlighting the importance of coaching and film review in his process.
Stepping Up in the Preseason
The preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens showcased Becton's advancements. He was the only first-team starter on the offense to see the field, playing eight snaps before being replaced by Tyler Steen. This game was significant as it marked Becton's debut at right guard in a live game, setting the stage for his potential in the regular season.
During this transitional period, Becton received valuable advice from fellow linemen. Cam Jurgens emphasized the intricacies of playing right guard, noting the significance of positioning and responses to different defensive strategies. "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 key figure on the Eagles' line, also offered insights into Becton's adaptation. "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 said. He further commended Becton's transition from practice to game settings: "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 emphasis on mastering the fundamentals of the guard position has been a cornerstone of his progress. "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. This focus has not gone unnoticed, as his improvement is expected to play a crucial role in the Eagles' offensive line performance this season.
As the Eagles gear up for Week 1, Becton remains the frontrunner for the starting right guard position, a testament to his dedication and resilience throughout training camp and the preseason. His journey reflects a blend of personal tenacity, effective coaching, and collaborative team support, qualities that could make him a pivotal player in the Eagles' offensive lineup.