What to Expect from Eagles First-Round Pick Makai Lemon's Rookie Season
The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select Makai Lemon in the first round, which means Nick Sirianni, Howie Roseman and Co. expect him to contribute right away.
But according to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, Lemon may end up inside rather than being their second outside wideout.
The Eagles picked Lemon from USC with the No. 20 pick of the draft in April. The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, who stands 5-11 and 195 pounds, is trying to replace No. 1 wideout A.J. Brown, who of course was dealt to the New England Patriots on June 1.
Lemon will compete with offseason acquisition Hollywood Brown for the inside slot wideout spot, and each will complement DeVonta Smith and fellow offseason signing Dontayvion Wicks.
Makai Lemon Projects as the Eagles' Starter at Slot Receiver
The Eagles passing attack could be the difference in them reaching the Super Bowl or simply having a very good roster.
Lemon is versatile enough to play both slot and outside, but given the Eagles' personnel, the rookie should be considered a slot receiver.
"The Eagles, of course, traded A.J. Brown after the draft, meaning they have a perimeter spot open opposite DeVonta Smith," Knox wrote. "However, trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks is better suited for that role, while Lemon should be at home in the slot."
Lemon won't end up being handed the slot-receiver role, due to his inexperience. He and Brown, who had a 49-catch, 587-yard season in 2025, will battle for Philadelphia's WR3 role, though Lemon is the favorite.
"Philly also added Marquise Brown this offseason, so Lemon will have to earn the starting slot role in training camp," Knox wrote. "However, he should have the inside track because of the Eagles' investment in him."
Makai Lemon's Superpower is Producing Yards After the Catch
At USC, Lemon had a penchant for catching short passes and turning them into huge plays. He was eighth in FBS in yards (1,156) and averaged almost 15 yards per catch in 2025.
But he was a possession-style receiver in college. According to Bleacher Report's Damian Parson, Lemon has NFL tools to make big plays from almost nothing.
"Makai Lemon is a compact, competitive slot receiver with strong hands, great route feel and high-level run-after-catch ability," Parson wrote. "His toughness, spatial awareness, and tackle-breaking prowess allow him to consistently gain yards after the catch."
Plus, Wicks has never topped 600 receiving yards or six TDs in his three years with the Green Bay Packers. So if he falters, Lemon could still play outside.
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This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 7:59 AM.