Mekhi Becton Impresses at Eagles Practice, Nears Starting Role

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ICARO Media Group
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07/08/2024 20h27

In a recent Eagles practice session, offensive lineman Mekhi Becton showcased his skills and could be on the brink of claiming a starting position. Becton, along with teammate Tyler Steen, participated fully in Wednesday's practice, but it was Becton who received the majority of the first-team reps at right guard. While head coach Nick Sirianni remained nonchalant about the situation, it is evident that Becton is making a strong case to secure the starting role over Steen. The competition is far from over, but Becton's solid performance could put him in the lead.

The second-team offensive line consisted of Fred Johnson, Trevor Keegan, Brett Toth, Tyler Steen, and Darian Kinnard. These players will be vying for a chance to move up and challenge for a starting spot as the season progresses.

On the defensive side, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers continued to be given the opportunity to prove himself as the primary right cornerback opposite Darius Slay. Quinyon Mitchell was also featured as the first-team nickel cornerback. In 7-on-7 drills, Rodgers switched over to the left cornerback position when Slay took a break, with Mitchell moving to the right cornerback spot and Tyler Hall taking on the slot duties.

With safety Rodney McLeod sidelined, Reed Blankenship and Avonte Maddox took charge as the first-team safeties, while James Bradberry also worked his way into the rotation. The linebacker group saw Devin White and Zack Baun initially taking first-team reps, but Nakobe Dean joined the mix later in practice.

Wide receivers Johnny Wilson and Britain Covey had an increased number of first-team reps as the WR3 options. However, other players like Joseph Ngata and Jacob Harris also saw some action in the deeper routes. It's worth noting that Kenny Pickett primarily handled second-team quarterback duties, with Tanner McKee getting occasional opportunities as well.

Darius Slay, the veteran cornerback, has been impressive during training camp. Despite being targeted rarely, Slay consistently makes an impact, consistently knocking down passes thrown his way. During team drills, Slay exhibited his skills in man coverage, successfully defending a deep ball intended for Ngata in the end zone. Slay's performance at 33 years old has defied expectations, showing no signs of slowing down.

Among the standout offensive plays of the day was a contested catch made by Britain Covey, who held on to the ball despite a heavy hit from safety Tristin McCollum. Covey, known for his toughness and ability to make difficult catches, gained around 20 yards on the play. Another highlight was Grant Calcaterra's strong performance. He caught a perfectly thrown pass from Jalen Hurts, beating Devin White's coverage during the first-team period. Although he missed out on a catch in the back of the end zone during 7-on-7s, Calcaterra's reliability has earned the trust of Hurts throughout the summer.

Jalen Hurts continued his impressive form, showcasing his command and decision-making on the field. He went through yet another practice session without throwing an interception, maintaining an admirable streak. With a joint practice against the Patriots on the horizon, Hurts will face a new challenge against a different defense.

In other news, the Eagles worked on their new kickoff returns, with Isaiah Rodgers, Kenny Gainwell, Britain Covey, Will Shipley, and Ainias Smith taking turns as returners. Although the team did not reveal their strategies during the practice, it is clear that they are actively preparing for the upcoming season.

Amidst the on-field action, former Eagles players, including Jason Kelce, Chris Long, Beau Allen, and Torrey Smith, were in attendance and were warmly received by fans. Their presence served as a reminder of their heroic contributions to the team's historic Super Bowl LII victory, as they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Eagles fans.

As training camp progresses, the Eagles coaching staff will continue to evaluate players and make key decisions regarding the starting lineup. With promising performances from the likes of Mekhi Becton, Darius Slay, and Jalen Hurts, optimism surrounds the team as they prepare for the highly anticipated 2021 season.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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