The Los Angeles Chargers have made a significant move by signing guard Mekhi Becton to a two-year deal. This is a crucial addition for the team, especially since their interior offensive line struggled last season. The Chargers were ranked poorly in rushing performance. In fact, the run block win rates for their linemen were among the lowest in the league, which made it challenging to establish the strong run game that coach Jim Harbaugh aimed for.
Becton, a former first-round pick of the New York Jets, had a strong bounce-back season last year. After switching from tackle to guard with the Philadelphia Eagles, he became a key player in the run game, ranking 24th in run block win rate among guards. This is impressive when you consider that his new teammates, Zion Johnson and Trey Pipkins III, were rated 43rd and 50th, respectively.
At 6-foot-7 and weighing 363 pounds, Becton brings considerable size and strength to the Chargers’ offensive line. His shift to guard seems to be a win-win, as he started 15 games for the Eagles last season and contributed to their strong performance that led to a Super Bowl victory. The Eagles’ offensive line was top-ranked, finishing in the top 10 for both pass and run block win rates, showcasing the effectiveness Becton can bring to the Chargers.
With this signing, there may be changes ahead for the team’s roster. Reports suggest that the Chargers might part ways with Pipkins, which could save them around $6.75 million.
Becton’s journey has not been without challenges. Injuries sidelined him for much of the 2021 and 2022 seasons. However, according to expert opinions, the key to his revival has been the positional change, allowing him to focus on his strengths as a guard. This has become a common strategy employed by NFL teams looking to maximize their players’ potential.
As the Chargers prepare for the upcoming season, Becton’s experience and skills will likely play a vital role in strengthening their offensive line. This could lead to a much-improved rushing attack, which fans have been eagerly waiting for.
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