Mekhi Becton Helped Eagles, Saquon Barkley Dominate. Would He Fit on the Lions?
The Detroit Lions, entering the 2025 NFL season with high expectations, have been busy evaluating their roster and looking for ways to bolster their squad. One area where improvement could be beneficial is the offensive line, which has seen some strong performances but could certainly benefit from adding depth and talent. In this context, the name of Mekhi Becton has come up. The 6’7″, 364-pound offensive tackle has been a dominant force when healthy, and he recently played a key role in helping teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Saquon Barkley’s New York Giants flourish offensively. The question now is: could Becton be a good fit for the Detroit Lions?
The Rise of Mekhi Becton
Mekhi Becton entered the NFL as a highly touted prospect out of Louisville, drafted 11th overall by the New York Jets in the 2020 NFL Draft. Known for his immense size, athleticism, and raw potential, Becton was expected to be a cornerstone for the Jets’ offensive line. Over his first few seasons, he showed flashes of why he was considered a top-tier draft pick, particularly in his ability to move defenders and protect the quarterback in both run and pass blocking situations.
However, Becton’s time in New York has been marred by injuries, limiting his ability to consistently dominate at the NFL level. Despite these setbacks, when healthy, Becton has proven to be a force on the field. His physical presence and ability to control the line of scrimmage make him a difference-maker, particularly in the run game.
In 2024, Becton found himself with a new opportunity as he helped the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense succeed with his elite blocking. He played a pivotal role in opening up running lanes for star running backs like Saquon Barkley, as well as protecting the Eagles’ quarterbacks. His ability to create space for the run game, combined with his pass protection skills, helped elevate the performance of the teams he played for.
The Eagles’ success with Becton has led to speculation that a team like the Detroit Lions, who are looking to improve in several areas, could benefit from adding a player of his caliber.
Why the Lions Would Be Interested in Mekhi Becton
The Lions have made substantial strides over the last few seasons, especially under head coach Dan Campbell. Their offense has been one of the most potent in the NFC, thanks in part to Jared Goff’s efficient passing and the dynamic playmaking of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, no offense can thrive without a solid offensive line, and this is where Becton could potentially make an immediate impact for the Lions.
1. Protecting Jared Goff:
One of the key factors for the Lions’ success in 2025 will be protecting their quarterback, Jared Goff. Goff has proven himself to be a capable quarterback when given time in the pocket, but the Lions’ offensive line has had its inconsistencies in recent seasons. Adding a player like Becton could help solidify the line and keep Goff clean in the pocket, allowing him to operate at a high level.
Becton’s size and athleticism make him an ideal fit for protecting Goff’s blindside at left tackle or reinforcing the right side of the line. His ability to both dominate in the run game and give Goff time to survey the field would make him an asset to the offense, particularly with the Lions’ deep group of pass-catchers.
2. Improving the Run Game:
The Lions have built an offense that can be potent both through the air and on the ground. With running back David Montgomery leading the charge in the backfield, and the possibility of rookie or backup players contributing as well, Becton could help create massive running lanes for these players to exploit. The Lions need to focus on improving their ground game, and Becton could be the perfect player to open up holes in the defensive line, especially in short-yardage or goal-line situations.
Becton’s ability to move defenders and create space is a valuable skill that could help the Lions be more successful in the run game. Whether it’s power runs, sweeps, or zone runs, Becton’s blocking could allow the Lions’ running backs to find success, helping to keep defenses honest and prevent them from focusing solely on Goff’s passing attack.
3. Depth and Flexibility:
Becton’s versatility is another factor that would make him an attractive option for the Lions. While his natural position is left tackle, his size and strength make him a suitable candidate for either tackle spot. With the Lions’ current offensive line setup, adding a player of Becton’s caliber would give them additional flexibility and depth. If the Lions were to bring Becton in, they could shuffle their offensive line as needed, keeping their unit fresh and ensuring they have strong players at every position.
If the Lions were to face injury issues, Becton could slide into different positions, ensuring that their offensive line remains strong throughout the season. Depth is crucial in the NFL, and a player like Becton who can excel in multiple roles could be incredibly valuable.
Potential Concerns for the Lions
While there is no doubt that Becton has the potential to be a game-changer for the Lions, there are a few concerns that need to be addressed before he would be a perfect fit for the team.
1. Injury History:
One of the biggest concerns with Becton has been his injury history. Over the past few seasons, he has been hampered by injuries that have limited his ability to play consistently. His knees, in particular, have been a cause for concern. While Becton is still a talented player when healthy, the Lions would need to be cautious about signing a player with such a history.
The team’s medical staff would need to thoroughly evaluate Becton’s current health status and ensure that he can stay on the field for a full season. If his injuries are recurring, it may not be worth the risk of signing him, especially considering the importance of having a reliable offensive line.
2. Conditioning and Consistency:
Another concern with Becton has been his conditioning. Given his large frame, Becton has sometimes struggled with weight management and maintaining peak physical condition. The Lions would need to ensure that he is in excellent shape to contribute fully over the course of the season. If he can stay in top condition and be consistent, however, the Lions could have a dominant player on their hands.