Eagles expected to train OT Mekhi Becton for new position

The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a one-year deal with offensive tackle Mekhi Becton earlier this week. 

But the tackle position isn't all that the Eagles are planning to use him for. 

According to Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher of the "Inside the Birds" podcast, the Eagles are expected to cross-train Becton at right guard.  

"The interesting thing about Becton is that he's always been a tackle," Mosher said. "So he's either left tackle or right tackle. But where the Eagles need depth is right guard where Tyler Steen is expected to try and cease the mantel here in Year 2. Matt Hennessey, more of a center guard. And we've been talking about bringing in some depth and from what I understand, Mekhi Becton will get looked at guard along with tackle." 

Mosher went on to say that it would make a lot of sense for Becton if he is no longer as explosive as he once was considering his injury record. 

"If he isn't the mover he used to be, you would say that makes sense," he said. "Move him to guard, smaller space. If he's still massive enough to move guys, that helps and maybe you've got something there."

The Eagles lost Sua Opeta to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in NFL free agency, which means Steen is expected to step up with Cam Jurgens moving to center.  

However, Steen has very little real game experience and that could give Becton an upper hand despite never playing guard. 

"I never doubt Jeff Stouland," Caplan chimed in. "When teams tell us this guy can't play guard, Stoutland says, 'No, yes he can.' ... If Stout thinks he can play guard, I'm in, I don't care." 

We'll see how everything plays out but the right guard competition will be something to watch this offseason.