The Eagles are about to start training camp, and one of the biggest names on their roster is already carrying a ton of weight. Makai Lemon, the first-round rookie the team traded up to land, enters 2026 with expectations that go well beyond normal rookie growing pains.
That pressure only grew after A.J. Brown’s exit.
Lemon is not supposed to be a straight swap for the three-time All-Pro, but plenty of people will treat him like one anyway. That alone makes him one of the most important Eagles heading into the season.
Philadelphia has other pieces in place around him. DeVonta Smith is set to handle the WR1 job.
Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown were added in free agency. Dallas Goedert and Eli Stowers give the offense more at tight end.
Even with that support, the Eagles are still looking for Lemon to make an immediate dent as the No. 20 pick in April’s draft.
And the rookie comes with the kind of resume that invites big expectations. Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in college football last year. At USC in 2025, he put up 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.
His game gives Philadelphia plenty to work with. Lemon is a sharp route runner, dangerous once the ball is in his hands, and a strong fit from the slot. He also brings value as a punt returner.
The Eagles clearly made a major investment in him, trading up and jumping the Steelers to get him. With that kind of move, they’re going to want to see the full package show up quickly.
His spring didn’t give them much to evaluate. Lemon missed time during OTAs and mandatory minicamp because of a hamstring injury.
If he’s healthy once camp opens and the season gets rolling, the spotlight is going to stay on him. Lemon is going to be watched closely from the start.
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