Five things to know about Eagles first-round draft pick Makai Lemon
From his impressive stats at USC to being a threat on both sides of the ball for much of his career, get to know the newest Eagles wide receiver.
The Eagles selected wide receiver Makai Lemon from the University of Southern California when they traded up for the 20th pick of the NFL draft.
Lemon, a fringe five-star recruit in 2022 and the third receiver taken in this year’s draft, was known as one of the best wide receivers in college football last season, leading him to become the second USC player ever to win the Biletnikoff Award for most outstanding receiver in college football. Marquise Lee won in 2012.
In his junior season with the Trojans, Lemon caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.
But there’s more to him than his impressive stats. Here are five things to know about the Eagles’ latest first-round pick:
From the skate park to the gridiron
Lemon started skateboarding at three years old after picking it up from his uncle. On the Oct. 30, 2025 episode of The Heisman podcast, Lemon said he used to skateboard around the neighborhood in his hometown of Los Alamitos, California.
He credited the activity for helping his balance when playing football.
Luckily for Lemon, the FDR Skatepark happens to be right across the way from the Jefferson Health Training Complex. .
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The music man
Lemon was made for the spotlight, whether on a stage or a field. Lemon told the USC Trojans website that he also has a pretty good singing voice, and an “ear for music.”
If his musical capabilities are anything like his rhythm on the field, specifically his quick, precise footwork, then Birds fans will be in for a treat when that rookie karaoke video drops.
Not bad company
As a California native-turned-Trojan, it makes sense that Lemon would respect a fellow former USC player from the Golden State, Amon-Ra St. Brown.
During his NFL combine interview, Lemon was asked what NFL player he looks up to or models his game after. The Lions wide receiver was the natural answer.
Why? For his “grit,” Lemon explained.
But St. Brown isn’t the only receiver with Cali ties that Lemon has been associated with.
Before USC took on Notre Dame, CBS Sports’ Rick Neuheisel compared Lemon to Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua saying “If you watch Makai Lemon, you’re watching Puka Nacua.”
Lemon is of Hawaiian and Polynesian descent like Nacua. Nacua was named the 2025 Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year while Lemon was named the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. Each competed in the Polynesian Bowl as well, Nacua in 2019 and Lemon in 2023.
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Both Nacua and St. Brown were in the NFL top five in both yards and receptions during the 2025 season.
Almost a Sooner
After playing in California his whole life, Lemon almost left the West Coast for the Southwest, originally committing to the University of Oklahoma for college.
However, when head coach Lincoln Riley left for USC, Lemon followed, staying in his home state for his college career. Lemon became USC’s 534th all-time draftee and its 87th first-rounder.
During his three years with the Trojans, Lemon recorded 137 receptions for 2008 yards and 14 touchdowns in 32 games played.
Dominant on both ends
Lemon attended La Miranda High School for his freshman year, playing both receiver and cornerback. When he transferred to Los Alamitos his sophomore year, he continued playing on both sides of the ball.
Even in college, his dual role persisted. Lemon filled in at cornerback for a few games as a true freshman at USC, with his agility and body control contributing to his ability to play both positions.