Beyond the grade: 360-degree analysis of Eagles Day 1 pick Makai Lemon
How does Lemon fit into the 2026 roster picture? What's his long-term outlook? Who's his NFL comp? What stands out about his football skills? We answered all the pertinent questions.
Grades have become every NFL draft analyst’s favorite means of rating a selection, but it’s what goes into the grade that really counts. The Inquirer’s Eagles reporters Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Ryan Novozinsky and Devin Jackson will evaluate all of the team’s 2026 NFL draft picks based on four separate components, leading with Day 1 selection Makai Lemon.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-foot-11, 192 pounds)
Pick: 1st Round, No. 20 overall
Immediate fit: The first thing that comes to mind is bye bye, A.J. Brown.
The Eagles have spent their offseason preparing for the inevitable, which gets more likely by the day. Lemon is a plug-and-play receiver with great ball skills and strong hands. He makes up for his lack of size with his route-running ability and his knack for seemingly catching everything that comes in his direction. And he’s not easy to bring down. Lemon was the only Big Ten player with more than 500 yards after the catch in 2025. That will fit in right away with the Eagles.
» READ MORE: Eagles select wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 20 after draft night trade with Cowboys
Assuming Brown is eventually traded, the Eagles still have a talented unit that includes DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, and others. Put Lemon in that equation and Jalen Hurts will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. Lemon played primarily in the slot, but can play outside, too. That versatility will be useful as the Eagles deploy a new scheme under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. – Jeff Neiburg
Long-term fit: Ahead of the combine, Howie Roseman discussed the “natural arc of the team” — as the young defensive players on their rookie contracts become eligible for new, lucrative deals, it will be imperative for the Eagles to add low-cost offensive players. Lemon’s addition will help build up the youth on the offensive side of the ball. If A.J. Brown is traded, then Lemon will be the only offensive skill player under contract through 2029 (before Days 2 and 3 of the draft), with the potential for a fifth-year option. Brown is technically under contract through 2029, while Smith’s is set to expire in 2028. — Olivia Reiner
Football stuff: Lemon is not your traditional first-round receiver, in that he doesn’t have blazing speed and played most of his snaps from the slot (456 of 622 total offense snaps, per Pro Football Focus). The most exciting aspect of Lemon is what he can do after the catch. He’s tough, elusive, and strong, and it allows him to bounce off tacklers. His fearlessness allows him to elevate and make tough catches in contested situations, and make catches over the middle of the field.
The unique thing about his usage is that USC aligned him everywhere, from slot and outside receiver to even in the backfield. He snaps off his routes at the top, and while he doesn’t have the speed to consistently beat corners deep, his body control and strength at the catch point really shines.
In a passing offense under Mannion that could feature more quick throws, crossing routes, and even screen plays, all of which Lemon thrived on at USC, the new first-rounder could stand to benefit from having creative usage early in the NFL. His ability to make catches in tight coverage, especially on vertical throws, will be beneficial for the passing offense if teams continue to sell out to stop Saquon Barkley and the running offense. — Devin Jackson
NFL comp: Lemon is a less athletic Amon-Ra St. Brown. They have similar builds — Lemon is 5-foot-11, 192 pounds, while St. Brown is 6-foot, 202 pounds — and even share an alma mater (USC). Lemon may not have top-end speed, but his route running and catch radius make him a serious offensive threat. Lemon only had three drops on 175 targets. He should be a seamless fit in Mannion’s offense — and a worthy successor to Brown. — Ryan Novozinsky
