Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is one of the premier offensive line coaches in the sport.
The Eagles’ offensive line has been one of the most consistently dominant units in the NFL over the past decade, in large part because of Stoutland’s influence, on top of elite drafting by general manager Howie Roseman and the front office.
This past season may have underscored Stoutland’s value and influence more than at any point in his tenure in Philadelphia.
Mekhi Becton Could Go Boom or Bust in Free Agency
Mekhi Becton, in a lot of ways, shed the label of being a former draft bust, during a stellar 2024 season playing under Stoutland in Philadelphia.
This past season, according to Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-7 and 363-pound behemoth only allowed three sacks and two more quarterback hits this past season, potentially emerging as the top free-agent guard on the market.
Bleacher/Report, though, lists Becton as one of the biggest boom-or-bust free agents this offseason.
“Becton’s poor play before 2024 and his noteworthy injury history can’t be ignored,” Kristopher Knox writes for B/R. “Yes, he was mostly healthy this past season and played extremely well. However, he was surrounded by a top-notch offensive line and a masterful line coach in Philly’s Jeff Stoutland.
“Coaching matters, and there’s no guarantee that Becton won’t regress under the tutelage of another staff. The risk of signing a below-average lineman who can’t stay on the field is very real.”
If Becton winds up signing elsewhere, it will be an opportunity not just for the 25-year-old be able to prove that this past year wasn’t a fluke, but it will be a strong endorsement for Stoutland, should Becton flounder at his next destination.
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