Makai Lemon drafted by the Eagles reactions: More A.J. Brown trade confirmation

TL;DR

The Philadelphia Eagles selected WR Makai Lemon with the 20th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling potential changes for A.J. Brown's future with the team. Lemon's addition aims to enhance the Eagles' offense alongside DeVonta Smith.

Key points

Makai Lemon was drafted 20th overall by the Eagles.
His selection raises questions about A.J. Brown's future with the team.
Lemon had 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in college.
The Eagles have made multiple investments in their wide receiver lineup this offseason.

Makai LemonPhiladelphia EaglesA.J. BrownDeVonta Smith

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 20 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Well, with all the speculation swirling about A.J. Brown’s future in Philadelphia, the team made things pretty clear for fans on Thursday night, trading up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select WR Makai Lemon out of USC. If Brown was still in the plan for this upcoming season, it’s hard to imagine Howie Roseman and Co. using a first round pick on another wide receiver. This pick will also help long term as the Eagles’ super young defense will need some big contracts over the next few seasons and a younger offense as result will be needed to balance things out. Lemon is just the latest in a long list of new receivers heading to Philadelphia this offseason, but he’s someone who should compliment DeVonta Smith well, and should give some quality depth to the room — even if Brown doesn’t end up being traded after June 1. Here’s what folks are saying about the pick:

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— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) April 24, 2026 Theoretically, Lemon should fit this system with how the structure the pass game and utilize alignments. He’s at best when he has all 4 directions available at the top of the stem, and the Eagles will likely be utilizing more reduced splits as they condense the formations.

— Honest NFL (@TheHonestNFL) April 24, 2026 Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award, named first-team Associated Press All-American. Ranked eighth in the FBS with 1,156 receiving yards (79 receptions, 14.6 per), tied for ninth with 11 receiving TDs

— Ed Kracz (@kracze) April 24, 2026 161 seconds of Makai Lemon being tough to tackle pic.twitter.com/z9yE926QAt

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 17, 2026 A.J. Brown's exit may be an inevitability, but my educated guess here is that the trading up for WR Makai Lemon was more about value than need. They saw a first round talent fall in a weak draft class and took action … especially after some of the tackles they targeted…

Q&A

What does Makai Lemon's selection mean for A.J. Brown's future with the Eagles?

Makai Lemon's selection suggests that A.J. Brown's future with the Eagles may be uncertain, as the team may be preparing for a potential trade.

What were Makai Lemon's college statistics before being drafted?

Makai Lemon recorded 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final college season, earning the Biletnikoff Award.

How does Makai Lemon fit into the Eagles' offensive strategy?

Makai Lemon is expected to complement DeVonta Smith and enhance the Eagles' passing game with his versatility and ability to create separation.

What other wide receivers have the Eagles acquired this offseason?

The Eagles have also traded for and extended Dontayvion Wicks, and signed Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore, indicating a significant investment in their receiving corps.