For the Eagles, the cornerback position might be the most talked about training camp battle, but the competition at right guard is just as fascinating and important to the team’s success in 2024.
The O-line has long been the strength of the Eagles team, and Tyler Steen proving he is the man for the job or Mekhi Becton transitioning from outside to inside could prove to be a pivotal decision in determining the Eagle’s success for the 2024 season.
Mekhi Becton seems up for the challenge.
The O-Line
Last year the Eagles had great starters on the O line, but little experience behind them. Howie has made a course correction this season by signing Matt Hennessy with 22 starts and a likely backup Center insurance policy, Max Scharping with 38 starts and has experience at both left & right Guard, and Mekhi Becton with 30 NFL starts. He also possesses iOL potential while providing outside tackle experience.
The Eagles also used draft capital to address the line this season in selecting Trevor Keegan, and Dylan McMahon.
The Birds utilizing all of these resources have some onlookers questioning if the team is convinced Tyler Steen is the RG of the future. Why bring in so many candidates capable of playing the position if he is the guy? Especially after using a 3rd round pick on him in 2023. Without an incumbent RG, the Eagles want to see the candidates compete.
Competition brings out the best in players which usually leads to long camp battles, but the Stoutland O-line competitions are typically short and sweet. Mailata beat out Dillard, and Jurgens beat out Steen last season without it ever appearing to be much of a competition. If the past is prologue, this battle could shake out just as quickly.
Some in the industry believe Mekhi could be the choice.
Becton’s Early Impressions
Mekhi Becton is a former first-round pick with intimidating size and every trait one would want from an offensive lineman. He had many suitors during the offseason but expressed his decision to sign with the Eagles was due to his desire to work with Jeff Stoutland and play with Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
“I got Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata in the same room. Those are two guys I look up to. They’re great players. I’ve got Coach Stout! Then we’ve (Eagles) got a great team here with Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown, just seeing all the firepower on this team, it just made sense.”
The early results from OTAs are promising, and Lane Johnson has been impressed.
“He’s probably had one of the best offseasons here. He’s played some guard at times and has done really well. Just a big, strong, powerful dude. I think he’s going to help us a lot this year whether he plays tackle or guard. But a guy that big that can move that well, we definitely need him out there.”
Becton’s decision to learn from one of the best OL Coaches in the league has proven to be everything he was hoping for.
“The way he treats his players and the way he talks to them, you want to do whatever for him. Anything he asks me, I’ll do. Having a coach like him, he’s a great guy, you want to do anything for him.”
One of the things he may be asked to do is play in the interior of the offensive line. Mekhi has not played Guard during his NFL career but is open to learning. Finding a way to contribute to the field would be the desired outcome. The good impression Mekhi has for Coach Stoutland is being reciprocated thus far.
“I’m really impressed with his football IQ, his intelligence, his versatility. I didn’t realize he was able to play other positions. That in itself, just to have that swing value, and the willingness to want to do it. He’s a fun guy to coach. He loves football.”
Staying healthy could be more challenging than learning a new position. Mekhi missed 33 games over the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to surgeries on his ailing right knee, but he started 16 games last year and played 987 snaps. If he can stay healthy, he could prove to be one of the more shrewd offseason signings in a long time.
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes the Eagles want to see Becton on the field, as a starter.
“He is the best run blocker that the Eagles have. If he is healthy, he will play right guard for them. They are working him in there. I would keep an eye on Mekhi.”
Whatever his role is in 2024, swing tackle or starting guard, the relationship is headed in the right direction.
The Eagles Culture
Becton has expressed how much he has enjoyed Philadelphia thus far, and his desire for a long-term role on this team.
“I want it to be long-term [with the Eagles]. I love the city of Philly. I love the people here, I love the fans. It’s great. I hope it’s long-term.”
The vibe that Owner Jeff Lurie, GM Howie Roseman, the coaches, staff, and players have has turned Philadelphia into a very welcoming and desirous team to be a part of.
“I feel like I’m in a family. I really mean that. The way people have welcomed me here, it’s been great. And I don’t think people understand what that means for a player.”
If the goal is to get the 5 best offensive linemen on the field, Mekhi has the pedigree, and the opportunity to compete and win the job. He may also play his way into being a long-term member of the Eagles family.
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AP Photo/Seth Wenig
