Makai Lemon talks DeVonta Smith, getting Nick Foles’ blessing to wear No. 9

TL;DR

Makai Lemon, the Eagles' first-round pick, is excited to start his NFL career and appreciates the support from Philadelphia. He also received Nick Foles' blessing to wear No. 9.

Key points

Makai Lemon is the Eagles' first-round pick.
He feels supported by the Philadelphia community.
Lemon received Nick Foles' blessing to wear No. 9.
He is excited about the Eagles' offensive strategy.
Lemon finds the experience of joining the NFL surreal.

Makai LemonNick FolesPhiladelphia EaglesPhiladelphia 76ers

The rookies are in the building, and the day before they were set to take the practice field for the first time, they spoke to reporters to answers some questions. Makai Lemon expressed being eager to get out on the field and get to work, but also said he’s taken some time before he falls asleep at night to appreciate the surreal experience of realizing his dream of playing in the NFL.

The Eagles’ first-round pick said that he’s been loving the City of Philadelphia since he got to town, and he definitely felt the love at the Sixers game last weekend. Lemon also said he’s excited to be in an offense like this, and thinks his skillset will mesh really well with what they’re trying to do.

Here’s some of what he had to say:

On Sean Mannion

“Getting to know him more and more, you know, as a person and then as a coach really. He’s super invested into the players, so I’m excited to learn a lot from him.”

On meeting DeVonta Smith

He also talked about being with DeVonta Smith at the Sixers game, and noted that he didn’t pick his brain too much given the environment. Still, Smith told the rookie that he was going to love playing Philadelphia, and gave Lemon a lot to look forward to.

“Yeah, super humble guy. Super chill, super calm – kind of my type of vibe. So, I feel like me and [DeVonta Smith] clicked on those things. But you know, when we step on the field, you know, he already know he got that dog mentality. So, I feel like me and him are going to click well. Definitely.”

Lemon thinks he and Smith will definitely push each other given their similar mindsets, and being able to line up next to a guy like Smith will only make him better.

“He definitely, you know, not the biggest guy, not the tallest guy on the field, but having that heart, makes him such an impact player, and that’s what sticks out to me.”