Eagles draft top prospect with a ‘heart of a lion’ to replace superstar on way out

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles traded two 2026 fourth-round picks (No. 114 and No. 137) to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night to move up to the 20th pick for USC star wide receiver Makai Lemon. Dallas also sent a seventh-rounder in next year’s draft to Philadelphia.

Lemon slipping to the Eagles felt like a pipe dream, but it’s not completely surprising. Some NFL teams might have been concerned that Lemon’s 5-11, 198-pound frame would limit his potential on the outside. That concern contributed to his falling to the 20th pick, and the Eagles jumped on the opportunity to add a difference-maker at wide receiver.

Lemon won the 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is given annually to college football’s best wide receiver. He looked like a superstar at USC and has the potential to become a star wideout in the NFL. The undersized wideout makes tough catches in traffic while absorbing big hits.

He is a crafty route runner who consistently gets open over the middle of the field and outside the numbers. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts could quickly develop a rapport with Lemon next season and make him a focal point of the offense.

Lemon is also highly dynamic with the ball in his hands, generating 502 yards after the catch in 2025. He racked up 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. As a rookie, he will start next to DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks. It remains to be seen whether he plays in the slot or on the outside.

Draft analysts have compared him to Lions All-Pro slot wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. That’s where he could thrive the most. His toughness and after-the-catch ability are made for the slot.