PHILADELPHIA — The intrigue of Mekhi Becton playing right guard was more perception than reality when the Philadelphia Eagles signed him in May. Becton was brought in to be the swing tackle to Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, an opportunity to salvage his career after four injury-riddled seasons in New York.
Of course, the Eagles weren’t going to rest on their laurels. If they could cross-train Becton to play guard, they were going to try it.
Three months later, Becton has a golden opportunity to take the starting right guard spot on the Eagles. That spot belongs to Tyler Steen, but he’s out with an ankle injury. The Eagles won’t disclose how long Steen is out, meaning this is more than just a “day-to-day” injury.
The opportunity to snatch the starting right guard spot in there for Becton, which would have been a fantasy back in May.
“I’m looking forward to that,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said when describing Steen’s injury. “Mekhi has had a good camp so far and looking forward to getting him some work next to Lane [Johnson] and continuing to work forward with that.”
Becton showcased the potential of having a 6-foot-7, 363-pound right guard in his first practice with the first team at right guard. The Eagles had Jalen Carter — who has been dominating throughout camp — against Becton in 11-on-11s in a true test of Becton’s strength. Becton neutralized Carter and held him off from getting to Jalen Hurts.
That’s Becton at his best. There’s still considerable room for improvement in Becton’s footwork and getting comfortable with the speed of playing inside, yet the talent is there if it all comes together.
“I think Mekhi is doing great,” said Eagles left guard Landon Dickerson, who Becton filled in for the first few practices. “He’s had to bounce around a few positions. We had some guys get banged up. Nothing different than what happens during the season…
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