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Eagles Select Makai Lemon at No. 20 Overall in 2026 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles made a bold move in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading up to select Makai Lemon with the No. 20 overall pick. The former USC Trojans star arrives in Philadelphia after a breakout season that earned him the prestigious Biletnikoff Award.

Eagles Trade Up for Makai Lemon

Philadelphia moved from No. 23 to No. 20 in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles sent picks No. 23, No. 114, and No. 137 to Dallas in exchange for the 20th pick and a 2027 seventh-round selection.

The move shows how highly the Eagles valued Lemon. It also continues a history of draft-day deals between the division rivals. In 2021, Philadelphia traded with Dallas to move up for DeVonta Smith.

Makai Lemon Brings Elite Production to Philadelphia

Lemon spent three seasons at USC and emerged as one of college football’s top playmakers. In 2025, he led the Power Four in receiving yards with 1,156 and averaged 96.3 yards per game.

He finished the season with:

• 1,156 receiving yards
• 13 scrimmage touchdowns
• 50 first-down receptions (tied for first nationally)
• 90.8 PFF overall grade (No. 1 among college wide receivers)
• 91.4 PFF receiving grade (fourth nationally)

He also added two rushing touchdowns and threw a touchdown pass against Oregon Ducks. That made him the first Big Ten player since Eric Decker in 2009 to catch two touchdowns and throw a touchdown in the same game.

His standout season earned him unanimous All-American honors and the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award.

Why the Eagles Wanted Makai Lemon

Executive Vice President and General Manager Howie Roseman praised Lemon’s route-running, hands, and instincts.

According to Roseman, Lemon can separate in man coverage, line up in the slot or outside, and make plays after the catch.

Head coach Nick Sirianni also highlighted the rookie’s toughness, contested-catch ability, and competitive mindset. Those traits could make Lemon an immediate fit in Philadelphia’s offense.

At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, Lemon also proved he could shine in big moments. He topped 150 receiving yards in four games as a junior, including back-to-back dominant performances against Northwestern and Iowa.

Makai Lemon Career Stats at USC

Over his college career, Lemon posted impressive numbers:

• 137 receptions
• 2,008 receiving yards
• 14 receiving touchdowns
• 2 rushing touchdowns
• 1 passing touchdown

His versatility as a receiver, runner, and occasional passer adds another dimension to his profile.

Makai Lemon Reacts to Eagles Draft Selection

Lemon embraced the Eagles’ decision to trade up for him.

He said the move showed how much the organization wanted him. He also promised to bring competitiveness, leadership, and maximum effort to the roster.

That mindset, combined with his production, makes him one of the more intriguing skill-position additions in the 2026 draft class.

What Makai Lemon Means for the Eagles

The Eagles targeted speed, separation, and playmaking by selecting Makai Lemon at No. 20 overall. His Biletnikoff-winning production suggests he could contribute early.

If his college success carries over to the NFL, Philadelphia may have landed one of the biggest steals of the first round.

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