Eagles Stun Steelers, Draft WR Makai Lemon at No. 20
The Philadelphia Eagles selected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night after executing a trade with the Dallas Cowboys. Reports indicate the Pittsburgh Steelers intended to select Lemon with the following pick, but were unable to do so after the Eagles moved up.
"Shocking" — Makai Lemon on the draft-night sequence
Trade Details
The Eagles traded the 23rd overall pick, along with their fourth-round picks (No. 114 and No. 137), to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for the 20th overall pick and a 2027 seventh-round selection. According to the standard draft value chart, the Cowboys received 863.5 points of value compared to the Eagles' 851 points.
Draft Night Sequence
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers, who held the 21st overall pick, contacted Lemon to inform him they intended to select him. However, the Steelers were reportedly unaware that the Eagles had already traded up to the 20th pick.
The Eagles, after going on the clock, attempted to contact Lemon but were initially unable to reach him because he was on the phone with the Steelers. The Eagles eventually made contact and selected Lemon, with the clock running lower than the team would have preferred.
Player Profile
Lemon is a 21-year-old wide receiver who declared for the draft after his true junior season at the University of Southern California.
College Production:
- 2023: 6 receptions, 88 yards, 0 touchdowns
- 2024: 52 receptions, 764 yards, 3 touchdowns
- 2025: 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, 11 touchdowns
In the 2025 season, Lemon ranked 11th nationally in receptions, 8th in receiving yards, and tied for 9th in receiving touchdowns.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 192 lbs.
- 40-yard dash: 4.50 seconds (pro day)
Skills and Metrics:
- College drop rate: 2.8%
- Yards per route run: Over 3.0 against both man and zone coverage
- Described by analysts as a willing and able blocker
- Experience returning kicks and punts
- Consensus prospect ranking: Just outside the top 10 (Mel Kiper: 11th, Daniel Jeremiah: 12th, Dane Brugler: 13th)
Team Reactions
Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman said Lemon was in the team's top 15 prospects. When he fell past the 15th pick, the team began exploring trade-up opportunities. Roseman acknowledged giving up two fourth-round picks was difficult but stated the team felt acquiring Lemon was important.
Roseman declined to comment on whether the selection would impact the status of wide receiver A.J. Brown, citing company policy regarding speculation about a potential post-June 1 trade. However, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Eagles anticipate trading Brown, likely after June 1.
Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni highlighted Lemon's ability to catch in contested situations, his toughness, and his competitiveness as a ball carrier and blocker. Sirianni noted Lemon's versatility to play both inside and outside receiver positions, adding the team is not committing him to a specific role yet. Sirianni referenced a play from Lemon's college career in which he chased down a defender after an interception, demonstrating effort.
Roseman stated the team aimed to build up the wide receiver room this offseason, seeking a group with different skill sets for versatility and depth.
Roster Implications
Lemon joins wide receivers DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, and Marquise Brown on the Eagles' roster. DeVonta Smith is expected to become the primary receiving target.
Lemon primarily played in the slot at USC. The Eagles' offensive scheme under head coach Nick Sirianni has historically not prioritized high-volume slot receiver production.