All articles tagged with #makai lemon
The Steelers reportedly called USC receiver Makai Lemon before they were on the clock in the 2026 NFL Draft, a tactic some executives say teams have used before; the Eagles jumped Pittsburgh to select Lemon one spot earlier, and the NFL says it reviews all draft-related conduct after the event.
A roundup of Eagles coverage focusing on Makai Lemon’s potential breakout after the 2026 draft, including ROY odds, scenarios if A.J. Brown is traded, Lemon’s potential targets behind DeVonta Smith on a run-heavy team, and related draft analysis from multiple outlets.
Rookie Makai Lemon announced at a press conference ahead of rookie minicamp that he will wear No. 9 for the Eagles—the first to don the digit since Nick Foles left in 2018—after talking with Foles and choosing the lowest available single-digit; the move pairs Lemon with DeVonta Smith in No. 6 for a potentially dynamic WR duo.
Sean McVay said the Rams considered Makai Lemon but passed at No. 13 to prioritize long-term stability, relying on Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in the pass game, leveraging 13-personnel with multiple tight ends, and selecting quarterback Ty Simpson to prepare for life after Stafford, while adding TE Max Klare to bolster that system.
Makai Lemon, the No. 20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, roughly $20.8 million fully guaranteed rookie contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, including an $11.5 million signing bonus. The USC receiver was selected after Philly traded up over the Steelers; he posted 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The Eagles have added Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks this offseason, with a potential A.J. Brown trade after June 1.
Draft evaluator Greg Cossell praised De’Zhaun Stribling’s size-speed and refined route work, saying he preferred Stribling over Makai Lemon after reviewing 2024–25 tape; Stribling’s vertical speed, middle-field production, and versatility to play all over the field—and his toughness as a blocker—could boost the 49ers, with an NFL coach reportedly agreeing Stribling edged Lemon.
The Steelers added 10 players in the 2026 draft, but a viral moment where they believed they’d drafted Makai Lemon before Philadelphia traded up drew sharp criticism of GM Omar Khan from John Middlekauff. The piece argues Khan’s overall body of work remains strong and cautions against judging him by one misstep, noting Tomlin’s departure is tied to broader leadership dynamics rather than Khan alone.
Film-review-style analysis of Makai Lemon, the Eagles' 2026 first-round pick, praising his precise route-running, exceptional zone recognition, and yards-after-catch ability; argues he can revitalize the Eagles’ middling offense by thriving in the slot with quick-game concepts and pre-snap motion, while noting size/athletic limitations and a need for scheme support; projects him as a day-one contributor and a potential catalyst if A.J. Brown’s future cap situation is resolved after June 1.
The Philadelphia Eagles pursued an aggressive 2026 draft under Howie Roseman, trading up to select Makai Lemon, then adding tight end Eli Stowers and offensive tackle Markel Bell, plus acquiring edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and bringing in UDFA Dae’Quan Wright. The moves bolster Philly’s offense and defense, reasserting their contender status, while questions linger about Stowers’ fit at tight end and how the rest of the roster will round out safety depth and other roles.
Dallas pushed back on a report that the Steelers were angry at the Cowboys for trading down to let the Eagles draft Makai Lemon. Cowboys executives Stephen Jones and Jerry Jones said the claim isn’t true and noted they had previously traded up with the Dolphins to secure Caleb Downs, arguing the draft operates as a free-for-all and teams shouldn’t be upset; if the Steelers wanted Lemon, they could have moved up to No. 19 or higher.
Philadelphia used eight picks (plus a notable trade) to emphasize long-term upside over immediate help, led by Makai Lemon in Round 1 as a productive USC slot receiver with limited size, and followed by athletic tight end Eli Stowers, massive OT Markel Bell, and QB Cole Payton as a late-round developmental project. A trade brought Jonathan Greenard to upgrade the pass rush, with later picks including Micah Morris (OL), Cole Wisniewski (S), Uar Bernard (iDL) and Keyshawn James-Newby (EDGE) aiming for future depth and versatility. The class is execution-focused on youth and trait development rather than immediate impact, resulting in a final grade of B+.
The Steelers drafted tackle Max Iheanachor at 21 after the Eagles jumped ahead to take Makai Lemon, prompting talk that Pittsburgh was baiting teams to trade up. Analysts note the move addresses-line concerns amid Seumalo's departure and Jones' health questions, and some believe Iheanachor could start early, while fans remain hopeful the pick pays off.
The NFL will review the Steelers’ call to USC wide receiver Makai Lemon after the draft, tied to the Eagles’ last-minute jump to No. 20 and possible rules about contacting a prospect while another team is on the clock.
Video showed the Steelers talking to USC WR Makai Lemon before they were on the clock, prompting discussion of NFL draft rules on pre-clock discussions; while some say such talks can occur if they don’t interfere with the on-the-clock team, the moment could embarrass Pittsburgh even if no punishment is issued.
The Eagles moved up from 23 to 20 to select USC WR Makai Lemon, a productive 2025 slot-focused receiver (79 receptions, 1,156 yards, 11 TD) who projects as Philadelphia’s No. 2/slot option behind DeVonta Smith. Lemon is undersized (5'11", 192) with a 4.50 40, but his hands, route running, yards-after-catch ability, and willingness to block make him a fit. Questions remain about his fit with Jalen Hurts and whether he can thrive as a middle-field target, but the pick adds a new dimension to the offense and came at modest draft-value cost to move up.