New Eagles Addition Admits Position Change is 'Challenging'
By Joe Summers
![Jeff Stoutland enters his 12th season as the Eagles' offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland enters his 12th season as the Eagles' offensive line coach](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2844,h_1599,x_0,y_27/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/190/01j0rwz314rbeexenea0.jpg)
New Eagles offensive lineman Mekhi Becton is in the process of learning to play guard after originally being selected 11th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft to play tackle. He admitted the position change isn't easy but he's embracing the challenge.
Becton spent his entire career with the New York Jets before signing with Philadelphia in free agency this offseason. The 6'7", 363 LB mammoth of a man hopes to revive his career after injuries and ineffective play curtailed his rookie contract.
A former Louisville star, Becton still has plenty of potential the Eagles plan to help him discover, whether it's on the outside or interior part of the line.
Mekhi Becton 'Loves the Challenge' of Position Change
Mekhi Becton in action. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/ZgW1DLAwgT
— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) June 5, 2024
"It's different inside at guard than it is at tackle, but I'm getting great coaching and the guys have been really helpful," said Becton. "It's been challenging. I love the challenge."
Becton's addition comes at an important time for the team as they're replacing future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce on the interior. If Becton regains his previous form, the 'Tush Push' could roll on without a hitch.
Still only 25 years old, Becton theoretically hasn't even hit his athletic prime yet. His surgically-repaired knee likely took away some of his athleticism but the Eagles believe he can still be a productive player.
"I'm having fun learning as much as I can about what (offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland) Stout wants from us. He pushes us to be the best, to bring out the best in us. That's what I want," continued Becton. Widely considered to be one of the best positional coaches in the league, Stoutland seems to be making an impression on his new pupil already.
Whether Becton ultimately stays at guard or moves back to tackle, Philadelphia appears to be a much better place for him to reach his ceiling than New York was.
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