The Eagles selected wide receiver Makai Lemon from USC with the 20th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading with the Cowboys. Lemon had 6 receptions for 88 yards in the 2023 season.
Mentioned in this story
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Eagles swapped with the Cowboys to move back and select wideout Makai Lemon out of USC at No. 20. Hereās everything you need to know.
Stats & Accolades
2023: (9 games played), 6 receptions, 88 receiving yards
2024: (12 games played, 6 starts), 52 receptions, 764 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns, Third-Team All-Big Ten
2025: (12 games played, 12 starts), 79 receptions, 1,156 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns, passing touchdown, Biletnikoff Award winner (nationās top wideout), First-Team All-American, First-Team All-Big Ten, Polynesian College Football Co-Player of the Year
What the Eagles are getting:
Lemon looks to be the next undersized star at wide receiver in the NFL with a play temperament and play-making ability that demands attention from opposing defensive coordinators. The 2026 Biletnikoff Award winner possesses phenomenal ball skills and surprising hand strength to boot. He simply does not drop passes, no matter the coverage and contact heās playing through. The Lionsā Amon-Ra St. Brown has been his pro comparison for all of draft season and for good reason. The two play with an alpha mentality that is the bedrock of their game. Donāt be surprised if Lemon starts making waves at the next level from the very start of his career.
Strengths
Makai Lemon recorded 6 receptions for 88 receiving yards in the 2023 season.
The Eagles traded with the Cowboys to move back in the draft order and select Makai Lemon at No. 20.
Makai Lemon plays as a wide receiver.
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Weakness
Athletic Testing/Measurables