Eagles see traits of DeVonta Smith in rookie WR Makai Lemon

There was a familiar buzz surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles during rookie minicamp, and according to Zach Berman of The Athletic, much of that intrigue centered around first-round wide receiver Makai Lemon.

Berman noted that the last time a rookie receiver generated this level of attention during minicamp was in 2021, when DeVonta Smith first took the field after a trade that saw the Eagles leapfrog the Giants for the Heisman Trophy winner.

Smith dominated the SEC to the tune of 227 catches, 3835 yards, and 43 touchdowns in his final three seasons, and his slight frame didn't deter Howie Roseman from pulling the trigger on adding a versatile and polished wideout to the mix.

Even in a limited viewing window, Lemon left a similar impression—quick, smooth, and consistently low to the ground with polished movements and natural hands at the catch point. The comparison isn't just stylistic. Both Lemon and Smith entered the league with somewhat slight frames, and under 200-pound receivers who dominated at the college level and were coveted enough for Philadelphia to trade up to secure them—coincidentally in deals involving the Dallas Cowboys. Their shared mentality has already created a connection, with Lemon describing Smith as "super humble" and aligned with his own mindset on and off the field.

That bond could prove critical for Lemon's development. Smith has already embraced a mentorship role, offering support without overstepping, a dynamic that mirrors his own early days in a wide receiver room once headlined by the disappointing Jalen Reagor. On the field, Lemon's approach reflects what has made Smith successful—precision, toughness, and a relentless motor despite lacking imposing size. Lemon himself pointed to Smith's competitiveness and heart as defining traits, noting that lining up alongside a player like that can only elevate his game.