Cyclones playing international basketball
Iowa State alumni are excelling in international basketball leagues.
The Philadelphia Eagles had an outstanding 2026 NFL Draft, highlighted by their selection of Makai Lemon, who ranked fourth overall in recent evaluations. This move reflects the team's strategic value and fit for their roster.
At this point, itâs no longer a debate. The Philadelphia Eagles didnât just have a good draft. They had one of the best. Critics have said it, and the analysts have echoed it. Now, another layer of validation has been added to the conversation. Philadelphiaâs 2026 draft class continues to pass every test thrown its way, with one move standing above the rest.
Matt Miller recently released his rankings of the 100 best picks, steals, and fits from the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Eaglesâ selection of Makai Lemon didnât just make the list. It nearly topped it. His selection just keeps on gaining momentum.
Lemon checked in at No. 4 overall, trailing only three selections across the entire draft. That kind of placement doesnât happen by accident. It reflects value, fit, and timing: three boxes the Eagles managed to check in one move.
"Lemon ranked as my top wide receiver in the class and was an exceptional value at No. 20, especially because predraft rumors had him going to the Rams at No. 13 or the Jets at No. 16. An added factor is the shrewd move by the Eagles to trade up and jump the Steelers, who were on the phone with Lemon telling him he would be their pick at No. 21."
Makai Lemon's selection is significant as he was ranked as the top wide receiver in the class and was an exceptional value at No. 20, showcasing the Eagles' strategic drafting.
Makai Lemon plays as a wide receiver and was ranked fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, indicating his high value and potential impact.
The Eagles managed to select Makai Lemon by trading up to jump ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were also interested in drafting him.
Iowa State alumni are excelling in international basketball leagues.
Louisville Kings lose 16-3 to St. Louis Battlehawks at home
LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos speaks out against congested match schedule
James McCann of the Arizona Diamondbacks has set an MLB record for the most pitching appearances by a position player before the end of April. This unusual achievement highlights a unique aspect of his role on the team.
Lakers release injury report ahead of crucial Game 6 vs Rockets
Charlotte Knights lose 9-5 to Gwinnett Stripers despite Galanie's homer.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
The board fell. Philadelphia acted. Coming into draft night, Lemon was widely viewed as one of the top receivers available. Some believed he wouldnât make it out of the top 15. Others had him slotted even higher. Philadelphia didnât wait to find out once he hung around longer than expected.
Lemon arrives in Philadelphia with expectations, but also opportunity. Paired with DeVonta Smith and catching passes from Jalen Hurts, he steps into a situation designed to maximize his skill set. His route-running, explosiveness, and ability to create separation give the Eagles another dimension offensively. Thatâs the vision. The symbolism matters too. Thereâs also something fitting about Lemonâs next chapter. Heâll wear No. 9, a number passed along with the blessing of Nick Foles. In a city that values legacy as much as production, that connection wonât go unnoticed. Less than a week after hearing his name called, he has signed his rookie deal ahead of Eagles rookie minicamp.
Makai Lemon hasnât taken an NFL snap yet, but the expectations are already clear. If early reviews mean anything, and in Philadelphia, they usually do, the Eagles didnât just land a wide receiver. They may have landed one of the defining players of their draft class.
If that proves true, this wonât just be remembered as a strong pick. It will be remembered as another one of those moments where the Eagles trusted their instincts and got it right.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eaglesâ Makai Lemon pick lands among 2026 NFL Draftâs elite selections