Caleb Harris
PHILADELPHIA – Mekhi Becton is getting a chance to resurrect his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Could the former first-round pick be learning a new position?
The Eagles solidified their tackle depth by adding Becton, but have an opening at right guard. Philadelphia is not committed to anything regarding the vacancy.
“Obviously, we have a lot of time to figure out who the five best players are,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said at the NovaCare Complex. “He played tackle, obviously, as everyone knows. He’ll start there and then we’ll see what happens.”
The Eagles haven’t ruled out the possibility of Becton moving to guard — or learning the position — this offseason. The franchise did not select an interior offensive lineman early in the draft nor commit to a starter like it did with Cam Jurgens last offseason.
Even though Nick Sirianni wouldn’t publicly admit that Jurgens was the right guard, Jurgens took every first-team rep in training camp and remained at the position all year. With Jurgens moving to center following Jason Kelce’s retirement, there is an opening at right guard.
Who are the candidates to play right guard in 2024?
The 2023 third-round pick is the favorite for the job this offseason. Steen didn’t have a great debut at guard last season, allowing five pressures on 39 pass-blocking snaps (12.8% pressure per drop rate). In his only start at right guard (Week 9 vs. Cowboys), Steen allowed a 15.6% pressure per putback rate.
A full offseason should help Steen, but expect him to rotate with other prospects at right guard during minicamp and training camp.
Hennessy has starting experience at center and was supposed to be the starting left guard for the Atlanta Falcons last season before a knee injury sidelined him for the year. The versatile Hennessy provides good interior offensive line depth, but will be considered for the vacant right guard spot.
Hennessy is Steen’s biggest competition at the moment.
Mekhi Becton
The wild card in the equation, the Eagles have Becton as their backup for now. If Jordan Mailata or Lane Johnson are injured, Becton and Fred Johnson will be the best options at tackle.
The Eagles could coach Becton at guard this offseason and give him the opportunity to compete with Steen and Hennessy for the right guard spot. Even with Becton’s size (6-7, 363), it’s not uncommon to move a tackle inside.
Becton allowed a 7.7% pressure rate per dropped tackle last season. This should decrease if he plays guard (not playing against an edge rusher). If Becton can stay healthy this summer, he will have a chance to learn right guard.
The Eagles’ fifth-round pick is already signed, so he can focus on learning the playbook and competing for a roster spot. Keegan has a good chance of starting, but is in the competition until further notice.
Keegan has the physicality to play guard and is aggressive from the snap. His leadership ability and starting experience at Michigan also benefited, although Keegan played left guard in college. Keegan should get some looks this summer.
The undrafted free agent from Maryland played in a multiple-run scheme at Maryland, although Ayedze played primarily at right tackle. His quickness translates to his guard, which Ayedze demonstrated against Illinois last season.
Ayedze is still learning guard, but has the technique to be successful in the position. With a longshot to start, Ayedze could make the 53-man roster if he transitions well to guard this summer.
