Eagles' DeVonta Smith is Ready to Take Makai Lemon Under His Wing

The Eagles made a statement move in this year’s NFL Draft, selecting USC receiver Makai Lemon in the first round, announcing to the world it was time to move on from veteran A.J. Brown.

Brown had seemingly been a talking point throughout the Eagles’ struggles, with their first-round playoff exit a telltale sign that something needed to change. Despite Brown suggesting he was committed to Philadelphia, that doesn’t seem to be mutual on his team’s end.

Many people expect Brown to be gone by early June, and the Eagles will have a talented rookie in Lemon. While not all rookies are immediately successful in the league, Lemon will benefit from veteran mentors, with DeVonta Smith recently offering his support should the rookie need it.

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“Whatever he needs, he has it from me. I’m not gonna try to, you know, get in his way. Everyone handles things differently, but if he needs me, I’m there for him,” Smith told reporters.

That’s exactly the type of support and mentorship that can take a rookie a long way in the NFL. Smith’s football resume speaks for itself. He’s the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner and a two-time champion at Alabama, and has been a difference-maker for the Eagles since 2021.

He was the top receiver for the Eagles in their Super Bowl LIX win, so he has the professional experience to mentor a rookie like Lemon, should he need assistance. Lemon comes in touting 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns on 137 receptions in his 33 games for USC.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper gave the Eagles an A for their draft grade last week, praising their addition of a tough, physical talent like Lemon to their receiving corps. He’s 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, and Kiper mentioned he “turns upfield through traffic without fear.”

Based on his stats and Kiper’s blessing, many believe the Eagles got a steal in the draft, but it could still take time for Lemon to develop fully. While some rookies take off immediately when they enter the professional league, others take several seasons to show their true potential.

Having a mentor like Smith, who is familiar with the NFL and the Eagles’ system, can go a long way, so Lemon should certainly utilize his guidance as much as he can.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 8:06 PM.