Caleb Harris
PHILADELPHIA – Mekhi Becton is making the most of his second chance with the Philadelphia Eagles, learning a position that didn’t seem possible on his former team. The Eagles decided a few weeks into Becton’s tenure with the team to test him at guard, having already lined him up for the first team at left guard in mandatory minicamp.
There is a disclaimer in all of this. Landon Dickerson, one of the best left guards in the world NFL, is exempt from minicamp due to personal absence. The Eagles didn’t need to move the 6-foot-2, 363-pound Becton to left guard so early, but they took a chance on the former first-round pick anyway.
Apparently, it’s going very well.
“He is doing a good job. He never played guard NFL and Stout’s [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is] doing a great job of trying to teach him multiple positions,” Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata said. “Stout always talks about the value you bring and I think he wants Mekhi to see what else Mekhi can do besides attack.
“We know he can play tackle, but what else does he bring to the table?”
The Eagles are certainly finding out what Becton is made of, which is appropriate considering there is competition at right guard. Tyler Steen opened minicamp at right guard on the first team, with Matt Hennessy behind him on the second team. Philadelphia also didn’t settle on guard depth, signing Max Scharping this week (Scharping made 33 starts in five seasons).
When Becton was signed last month, it was believed he would be the third tackle behind Mailata and Lane Johnson. That could still be the case, as Becton lined up as the right second team in the voluntary OTA portion of minicamp. Fred Johnson, who played strictly at left tackle last season, is on the second team at right tackle, while Becton plays left guard.
This could also be a sign that the Eagles are willing to let Becton battle Steen for the vacant right guard job. Becton appears ready to make that leap.
“Mekhi did a great job of saying yes,” Mailata said. “He didn’t question him [Stoutland]. He never said I never did it. In fact, he took advantage of the opportunity to learn how to play guard. When I see things like this from Mekhi, it just makes me want to play alongside him, if his number is called. You want guys who are willing and able to put the team first, before their own needs.
“I think Mekhi does a great job at this even though he has no experience. He’s here learning, growing and working every day trying to improve at guard.”
Becton has already fit into the Eagles’ culture, just by being friends with the other forwards. It’s also worth noting that the Eagles’ offensive line is the most unified group on the roster.
A great sign of how Becton is adapting to his new team.
“I feel like I’ve known him forever,” Mailata said. “It’s very easy to get along with him. He’s funny, he’s smart, he’s very athletic, but he’s like an old friend who just arrived.
“I spoke to him twice before he came to the Eagles. Now we talk every day, which is good.”
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