Great Value: New Eagles WR Makai Lemon never fell beyond the 16th pick in mock drafts

TL;DR

Makai Lemon was projected as a top-15 pick in the NFL Draft but fell to the 20th overall pick, where the Philadelphia Eagles selected him. His unexpected drop was influenced by earlier picks, including the Los Angeles Rams choosing a quarterback instead.

Key points

Makai Lemon was projected as a top-15 selection.
He fell to the 20th pick in the NFL Draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles selected him after the Rams chose Ty Simpson.

Makai LemonPhiladelphia EaglesLos Angeles RamsTennessee Titans

Anyone who watched Makai Lemon's junior season at USC knew he was a future top-15 selection. Entering last night's NFL Draft, Lemon was widely projected to be selected in that range. The board, and more specifically the Los Angeles Rams, had other ideas.

After Carnell Tate (Tennessee Titans) and Jordyn Tyson (New Orleans Saints) were drafted in the top eight, many expected Lemon to be gone by pick No. 13. The Rams surprisingly took Alabama QB Ty Simpson. Lemon then fell to the 20th overall pick, where the Philadelphia Eagles happily leaped over Pittsburgh to obtain his services.

According to ESPN's live analytics, there was only a 4% chance that Lemon would be available at pick 20. Most national outlets had Lemon off the board as early as No. 11, but no later than No. 16.

PFF: No. 11, Miami Dolphins
NFL.com: No. 13, Los Angeles Rams
CBS Sports: No. 13, Los Angeles Rams

Q&A

Why did Makai Lemon fall to the 20th pick in the NFL Draft?

Makai Lemon fell to the 20th pick because the Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson instead of him, despite expectations for Lemon to be picked earlier.

What were the mock draft predictions for Makai Lemon's selection?

Most mock drafts had Makai Lemon being selected no later than 16th overall, with some predicting he would go as high as 11th.

Which team selected Makai Lemon in the NFL Draft?

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick in the NFL Draft.