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
The thought by many heading into Thursday's NFL draft was that the Eagles would be looking for help on the offensive side of the ball. Defensive-heavy with their picks over the past few seasons and with help needed on the offensive line and maybe wide receiver with the A.J. Brown dilemma yet to play out, an offensive player seemed to be the best bet.
Two statements were made by Howie Roseman on Thursday. Offense it is, and it appears Brown will not be here next season.
Roseman traded the team's 23rd pick to the Dallas Cowboys for the 20th pick, in which they selected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. The Eagles also sent the Cowboys their two fourth-round picks, No. 114 and 137 overall.
What’s Makai Lemon’s message to Eagles fans?
“They gettin’ a dawg.”
The Birds’ new WR is ready to go👀 pic.twitter.com/c1RKHe1V1r
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport later reported that the Steelers —who had pick 21 — were already on the phone with Lemon, who they planned to take with their selection. That created some logistical issues when the Eagles traded up and tried to contact Lemon,
"When we get on the clock, we immediately try to contact the player. It took us a couple minutes to contact the player and get him on the phone," Roseman acknowledged. "That hasn't happened very often, so the clock got down a little bit lower than we would have liked. But we were able to get in touch with him and obviously select him."
Lemon had 79 catches for 1,156 yards to go with 11 touchdowns this past season for the Trojans. A slot receiver, Lemon is considered to have terrific hands. While he may not have great speed, he does have very good quickness. He is said to have ridiculous grip strength once the ball hits his hands.
"He has a lot to like about him," Roseman said. "Competitor ... has the ability to separate in man coverage out of slot. He can play outside. Physical player, really good with the ball in his hands. Really good hands. Good in zone coverage, has really good instincts."
Roseman then turned to coach Nick Sirianni for his thoughts on the newest Eagle.
"You hit a lot," Sirianni joked. "Obviously, Howie mentioned just his ability to separate. Insane ability to catch the ball in contested situations. I love his toughness. I think this guy's a tough, tough football player with the way he carries the football and when he has the football in his hands and how he blocks. Insanely competitive, so there's a lot to like, really excited that he's added to our roster."
The 5-foot-11, 195 pounder joins a crowded wide receiver room for the Eagles, who added Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore and Dontayvion Wicks over the last five weeks. It appears that Brown — A.J., not Hollywood — will now be moved on or after June 1. That's because if they wait until then, the team can split the $43.45 million dead cap hit between 2026 and 2027. If they were to trade him before June 1, the team would incur the whole $43.45 million dead cap hit this season.
The draft continues on Friday with rounds two and three, with rounds four through seven happening on Saturday.
The Eagles remaining picks as of now are:
2nd round - 54th overall
3rd round - 68 and 98
5th round - 178
6th round - 197
