After former Eagles right guard Mekhi Becton agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers on March 15, the team began searching for another player to take his place on the offensive line. With the draft almost a month away, a former NFL general manager believes the Eagles could use the No. 32 overall pick to find Becton’s replacement.
On Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s NFL Live, former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum released a mock draft and projected the Eagles would select North Dakota State tackle Grey Zabel, citing a trait the Eagles covet in their offensive linemen.
“Mekhi Becton graduated, and he went to the Chargers,” Tannenbaum said. “We’re nitpicking here. They’re so deep. To me, Grey played tackle at North Dakota State. I think he has the ability to slide inside. I think he has that Eagle sort of toughness. I think he fits in well and may even be able to start as a rookie.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Zabel (6-foot-5, 316 pounds) allowed one sack, two quarterback hits, four hurries and seven pressures in 18 regular-season and playoff games, helping North Dakota State win the FCS championship. Zabel has the size and quick burst off the line of scrimmage to not only make a block at the point of attack but also the athleticism to get downfield and block linebackers and defensive backs to spring long runs.
A competition is brewing this summer to replace Becton. Offensive lineman Kenyon Green was acquired in a trade that sent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. Green, a 2022 first-round pick, is looking to turn his career around in the same way Becton did after the Jets selected him in the first round of the 2020 draft. The Eagles will also have Tyler Steen competing for the job.
Steen battled Becton in training camp last year but did not win the starting role. He did start at right guard in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals and started two games at left guard, including the NFC championship game.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.