For the most part, the Philadelphia Eagles have their starting five on the offensive line figured out, but that doesn't mean a new face can't emerge during NFL training camp.
According to NFL Network's offensive line expert Brian Baldinger, Mekhi Becton could be that face on one condition: he stays healthy.
“Mekhi Becton (the 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft by the New York Jets) had some knee issues in the past, but he has more power than anyone on the whole team,” Baldinger said, via Bleeding Green Nation. “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. He is on their depth chart backing up Mailata right now at left tackle. He is a big guy. I think Becton has a shot at being right guard. Right now, Tyler Steen probably has the advantage there because he knows the Eagles’ system.
“Steen has been projected to be that guy.”
Becton, 6-foot-7, 363 pounds, was initially drafted 11th overall out of Louisville by the Jets in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, Becton has missed out on a majority of his NFL career due to two injuries followed by surgeries on his right knee. After a strong rookie debut in 2020, he played just one game between 2021 and 2022. However, Becton did come to Philly following a healthy 2023 season where he started 16 games for the Jets.
He's also notably a few pounds lighter since he was drafted and weighs in at 350 pounds, which puts a little less stress on that banged-up knee.
The Eagles are clearly wanting to take full advantage of his size and cross-trained him at multiple positions through OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
Not only did Becton take reps with the left and right offensive tackles, but he's also got looks at guard, a position he's never played before.
Per several reports, he looked solid everywhere he lined up and if he keeps it up through training camp and stays healthy, then it's easy to see him sliding into the starting five.
