Latest news with #MekhiBecton
USA Today
12 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
A love letter for every Eagles fan whose heart beats Midnight Green
One city, one team, and another shot at glory. It's been nearly six months since the Philadelphia Eagles pummeled the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. So much has changed, and at the same time, so much has remained recognizable and familiar. Nick Sirianni is still here. So is every offensive starter from last season's run, minus the aforementioned Mekhi Becton. There was a shift at the offensive coordinator position. Kellen Moore is gone. Kevin Patullo got promoted, leaving most of the questions on defense. Gone are starters like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Darius Slay, and Josh Sweat, but other cornerstones like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith remain. Vic Fangio returns for year two as defensive coordinator. What he did to repair the damage done by Sean Desai and Matt Patricia last season was nothing short of amazing. He's going to be around for as long as he'd like to be. He has communicated that he's no longer interested in potential head-coaching jobs, so even though the defense was raided, it isn't the punctured unit that so many keep trying to predict it will be. In addition to those previously mentioned, essential role players like Oren Burks, Milton Williams, Avonte Maddox, and Isaiah Rodgers. We'll miss every one of them, but we've also learned Philadelphia can win if each of them is absent. The Birds will be fine. Sure, it's tough to replace all of those guys at the same time, but Philadelphia will press on. We just need to learn about some of the new guys: who they are, how they will play, and how they will blend with the fan base and city. So, welcome to Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba. To Ty Robinson, Mac McWilliams, Smael Mondon, and Antwaun Powell-Ryland, we say welcome. We welcome Azeez Ojulari, Adoree' Jackson, Josh Uche, and Ogbo Okoronkwo. We would like to extend a warm welcome back to Patrick Johnson. Welcome back to training camp, the preseason, and eventually the 93rd season in franchise history. Welcome back to the best atmosphere in sports. Welcome back to Lincoln Financial Field and those black, Kelly Green, and Midnight Green jerseys. Greatness awaits. Hopefully, another deep playoff run awaits as well. The world's best fans will be watching. Expect them to celebrate when this team does its best. Expect correction when they feel like this team doesn't. This is a team full of characters with character. They're heroes. They're role models. They're family, and they're the defending champions, even if they don't want to be called that. To our Birds, we extend our gratitude for the 2024-25 campaign, and we wish you a great season.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Analyst points to an Eagles X-factor that no one saw coming
One of ESPN's best recently named the Eagles' biggest X-factor, and it's a name that few saw coming. They've long been viewed as the NFL's top offensive line, and for good reason. We've seen the Philadelphia Eagles trade one Pro Football Hall of Fame talent for another. Jeff Stoutland is the maestro and a great teacher. Since joining Philadelphia as part of Chip Kelly's staff, we've seen Coach Stoutland turn great players into Pro Bowlers (Brandon Brooks). We saw him turn a Pro Bowler into a surefire Hall of Famer (Jason Peters). Then, he did it again (Jason Kelce). Two Eagles are mentioned in tandem as the Eagles' biggest X-factor Lane Johnson's place in Canton, Ohio, is all but assured. He's the elder statesman on the Philadelphia offensive line now. With him are a perennial Pro Bowler (Landon Dickerson) and another in the making (Cam Jurgens). Jordan Mailata recently made his debut on the NFL's Top 100 Players list, a ranking constructed annually by the votes of players. He's the first Eagle mentioned this time around, and he lands at 69. ESPN recently ranked the best projected starting lineups. The Ravens claimed the top spot. The Eagles land right behind them at number two. The tandem of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata is named as their biggest strength. There's no surprise there. They've received praise all offseason, and deservedly so. Their biggest X-factors are Tyler Steen and/or Kenyon Green. Kelee Ringo is named as the nonstarter to know. Seth Walder was among the heavyweights who offered an assist. Here's some of his take on Steen and Green. "Last year's offensive line reclamation project, Mekhi Becton, left in free agency (yielding a projected fifth-round compensatory pick for the Eagles in 2026, per But questions remain. Who will fill his void at right guard? Can offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland continue to work his magic? If the answer to the latter question is "yes," then Philadelphia should have a stout line across the board yet again." Steen again hopes to win a starting job at right guard. He lost that job to Jurgens in 2023 and Becton in 2024. He won't be given anything this time around either, but if he accomplishes his goal and cracks the starting lineup, he can be special along Philadelphia's offensive front. He has the right teammates and the right teacher. The sky could be the limit in 2025.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ranking Chargers' best offseason additions ahead of 2025 season
The Chargers appear poised to take that next step in their second season under Jim Harbaugh. The moves made this offseason reflect this, as the team aims to elevate itself into legitimate contender status. Let's rank the Chargers' 10 biggest acquisitions from this offseason: Advertisement 1. Omarion Hampton The front office could've gone for a different position with the 22nd overall pick but opted to go with the 'best player available' approach. Hampton has all of the traits to be a star at the next level after a phenomenal collegiate career. It seems the Chargers have found their long-term guy in the backfield. 2. Mekhi Becton This move flew a bit under the radar because it happened in the latter half of the free agent frenzy. Nonetheless, it was a huge acquisition to shore up the interior part of the line. Formerly an offensive tackle, Becton thrived in his first season as a full-time right guard in 2024 with the Eagles. He will bring an old-school style to this offense that Jim Harbaugh will love, and it should help open up massive lanes in the run game. Advertisement 3. Tre Harris The team didn't address the wide receiver position much in free agency and then avoided it with their first pick in the NFL Draft. Thankfully, a talent like Harris fell to the second round. One could argue he's the biggest X-factor in the determination of the ceiling of the 2025 Chargers. If he can adjust to the pros quickly, this will be a scary offense. 4. Da'Shawn Hand Hand's talent may not be deserving of No. 4 on this list, but it was a huge signing given the need at the position. The veteran played a career-high 563 defensive snaps in 2024, and the Chargers may need him to reach that number again. Hand will play a big role in what is an otherwise inexperienced defensive line room. Advertisement 5. Donte Jackson Jackson replaced some key losses in the cornerback room and will provide leadership to youngsters like Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still. He's started 92 games in his career and comes off a year in which he had a career-high five interceptions with the Steelers. 6. Najee Harris A former Steeler occupies back-to-back spots. Harris got moved down a few spots here after the pick of Hampton in the NFL Draft for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, the former Alabama product will still be a good complementary piece while the rookie gets used to the NFL. 7. Jamaree Caldwell Caldwell may have to step up and play more than a typical third-round rookie. That has mostly to do with the team's aforementioned lack of depth and talent along the defensive line. Advertisement 8. Kyle Kennard Another rookie cracks the list, and this was a key acquisition for the depth of the edge rusher group. Kennard will see time as a rotational piece behind the starters Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. 9. Andre James At this point, the center job is between Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson. James still provides some starting experience, as he made 61 starts in six seasons with the Raiders. 10. Mike Williams It's easy to say Williams' best days are behind him, but he returns to the place that drafted him eight years ago. The veteran hasn't topped 300 receiving yards in a season since 2022, but he will provide key leadership for the young wideouts. This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Who were the Chargers' 10 best acquisitions this offseason?
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Best NFL offensive lines 2025: Ranking 10 best offensive lines in NFL right now
While the quarterback is the most important position in the NFL, their sustained success relies heavily on the offensive line. The best NFL offensive lines right now are largely leading the way for some of the league's best offenses. Let's dive into our rankings of the 10 best offensive lines in the NFL entering the 2025 season. 1. Philadelphia Eagles Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Philadelphia Eagles have the best offensive line in the NFL. In 2024, they gave up just 110 pressures (7th fewest) and 32 QB hits (5th fewest), excelling in both pass protection and run blocking. Philadelphia ranked 6th in ESPN's pass-block win rate (67%) and 9th in run-block win rate (72%). This offensive line is a cornerstone of what makes the Eagles' offense so dangerous. Philadelphia will also have continuity on the offensive line in 2025, with four returning starters and Mekhi Becton's replacement (Tyler Sheen) being an internal promotion. Plus, the Eagles have the added benefit of employing the best offensive line coach in the NFL. Advertisement Related: Best NFL receiving corps 2025, ranking the 10 best receiving corps in NFL 2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed significant improvement from one year to the next. In 2023, they allowed 40 sacks while ranking 12th in ESPN's pass-block win rate (61%). Tristan Wirfs transitioned smoothly to left tackle, rookie Graham Barton held his own, and Cody Mauch had a breakout year. Their progress in the trenches also fueled a dramatic turnaround in the ground game, going from 3.4 yards per carry (ypc) and 88.8 rushing yards per game (ypg) to 5.3 ypc and 149.2 rush ypg in just one season. Best of all, this is a young offensive line with plenty of room for further growth. Advertisement Related: Best NFL wide receivers 2025, ranking 10 best NFL receivers right now 3. Denver Broncos Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Plenty of the focus for the Denver Broncos' improvement in 2024 centered on quarterback Bo Nix, but it's crucial to appreciate how well the Broncos' offensive line dominated last season. Denver finished first in ESPN's pass-block win rate (74%) and run-block win rate (75%). They also allowed the second-lowest pressure rate (15.8%) with the second-best average time to throw (2.5 seconds). This marks a great improvement compared to 2023 (25.2% pressure rate). It's a testament to the strength of this front. If center Luke Wattenberg can take a step forward, the Buccaneers' offensive line could become the best in football. 4. Detroit Lions Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images If not for the retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, the Detroit Lions would likely rank even higher among the best offensive lines in the NFL. It's a testament to the skill of offensive line coach Hank Fraley that, despite having two projected first-year starters (Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge), this line should still be a top-tier unit. Having two standout pillars at offensive tackle certainly helps, and there's also depth, with Graham Glasgow capable of starting at both guard and center. While the addition of two new starters may cause some early-season inconsistencies, we're confident in the long-term outlook for this unit. Advertisement Related: Best NFL pass rushers 2025, ranking 10 best edge rushers 5. Buffalo Bills Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images The Buffalo Bills offensive line has made a real transformation in recent years. Left tackle Dion Dawkins and center Connor McGovern earned Pro Bowl selections in 2024, leading the way for a front five that allowed the third-lowest pressure rate (16.1 percent) in the league. Buffalo also ranked fourth in ESPN pass-block win rate (68 percent) while allowing the fewest sacks per game (1.0). Buffalo also gets a boost here for continuity, with all five starters returning. It's fair to argue that Josh Allen makes this line better than it really is, but the numbers and cohesion on the offensive line hold a lot of value. Advertisement Related: Best NFL quarterbacks 2025, ranking 10 best NFL QBs right now 6. Minnesota Vikings Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Minnesota Vikings' offensive line immediately gets a boost from the return of left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who has played at a near All-Pro level in his career. Minnesota also overhauled its interior line, spending a first-round pick on Donovan Jackson and adding former Indianapolis Colts linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries through free agency. There's some risk in projecting this group as a top-six offensive line—especially with three new starters on the interior—but Minnesota could have above-average starters at all five spots. Advertisement Related: Best NFL tight ends 2025, ranking 10 best NFL tight ends right now 7. Baltimore Ravens Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images The Baltimore Ravens retained Ronnie Stanley this offseason, which was one of the most important moves of the offseason. Stanley proved, when healthy, He can still play at an extremely high level and the redevelopment from Roger Rosengarten gives Baltimore two high-end starters at tackle. On the interior, Tyler Linderbaum is a two-time Pro Bowl selection at center to give the Ravens three premium blockers. It's the guard spots – Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele – that are the big concerns with this unit. Advertisement Read More: NFL power rankings 2025, evaluating all 32 teams 8. Atlanta Falcons Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Atlanta Falcons boast arguably the best interior lineman in the NFL, guard Chris Lindstrom, with three other returning starters around him in 2025. The one area of concern here is what happens at center following the departure of Drew Dalman. All in all, this is a good offensive line that should provide quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with strong protection in 2025 and beyond. Related: Best NFL running backs 2025, ranking 10 best running backs in NFL 9. Los Angeles Chargers Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images If ranking the best tackle tandems in the NFL, the Los Angeles Chargers would be near the top of the list. Rashawn Slater has All-Pro talent and Joe Alt was tremendous in his rookie season. That's a great starting point for Los Angeles. It gets shaky once you kick inside. Mekhi Becton excelled with the Eagles, but that might be a product of the help around him. Fellow interior lineman Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson are two glaring weak links on this line. Advertisement Read More: Best NFL corners 2025, ranking the best NFL cornerbacks right now 10. Green Bay Packers Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Several teams were considered for the 10th spot—the Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears—but continuity and coaching matter a lot. The Green Bay Packers are among the best teams in the league at developing offensive linemen, with tackles Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom serving as prime examples. Elgton Jenkins is moving from guard to center this season, and his versatility and skill set give him a Pro Bowl ceiling. As for Aaron Banks, health will be key, but the team's investment in him suggests he'll be a high-end starter. The Packers' offensive line also has plenty of depth, with players capable of playing multiple positions. Advertisement Read More: NFL defense rankings 2025, evaluating all 32 defenses Related Headlines
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lane Johnson Calls Himself Smallest Eagle as Offensive Line Breaks Size Records
Lane Johnson Calls Himself Smallest Eagle as Offensive Line Breaks Size Records originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When 35-year-old Lane Johnson, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 325 pounds, describes himself as "one of the smaller guys" in his position room, you know the Philadelphia Eagles have assembled something special along their offensive line. Advertisement The Eagles' starting offensive line averages 6-foot-6 and 338 pounds, making them the tallest and heaviest offensive lineup in Super Bowl history. This unprecedented size advantage has become a cornerstone of the team's championship formula, helping fuel a ground attack that rushed for a franchise-record 3,048 yards in 2024—sixth-most in NFL history. The Eagles' size advantage is staggering compared to league standards. The average NFL offensive lineman stands at 6 feet, 4.9 inches and weighs around 315 pounds, meaning Philadelphia's starting five towers nearly two inches taller and outweighs the average by more than 20 pounds per player. Even elite units like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills, both considered among the league's best offensive lines, rely more on technique and athleticism than pure mass to achieve their success. Advertisement Philadelphia's current starting lineup from left to right features Jordan Mailata (6-8, 365 pounds), Landon Dickerson (6-6, 332 pounds), Cam Jurgens (6-3, 303 pounds), Mekhi Becton (6-7, 364 pounds) and Johnson (6-6, 325 pounds). According to Pro Football Focus, Mailata led the entire NFL in offensive grade (96.9) and run-blocking grade (94.9), while Johnson ranked first among NFL right tackles in pass-blocking grade (88.1). The depth chart tells an even more impressive story about the franchise's commitment to size. Johnson referenced the young prospects behind him: draft picks Myles Hinton (6-6, 323), Cameron Williams (6-5, 317), and undrafted free agent Hollin Pierce (6-8, 341). Even among these developmental players, Johnson noted he might be 'one of the smaller guys.' Advertisement 'They're big,' Johnson said about his position room. 'Everybody's big. When you look at our room and the size that we have in that room, when I'm one of the smaller guys in that room, that's impressive, and that's how it really is.' The rookie additions to the offensive line room represent more than just depth—they're insurance for the future. Johnson praised the newcomers' football intelligence: 'In the meeting rooms and coaches are asking questions about what is this, what is that, they're very smart, they're in tune. They've been a lot of fun so far.' While other teams focus on speed and athleticism, the Eagles have doubled down on pure size and strength. The results speak for themselves. In an era where defensive players are getting faster and more athletic, the Eagles have found success by going bigger and stronger. When Lane Johnson—a 6-6, 325-pound All-Pro—considers himself among the smaller players in his position room, it signals a paradigm shift that could influence offensive line construction across the league for years to come. Advertisement Related: Eagles' Jalen Carter Projected To Set Market With Next Contract Related: Eagles Urged To Sign Veteran Super Bowl Champion Defensive Back This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
