The Eagles broke the heart of the Steelers’ front office on Thursday night.
The Steelers were on the phone with USC star wide receiver Makai Lemon and were ready to draft him the 21st pick, but moments later Lemon hung up and picked up a call from Philadelphia. The Eagles had traded up to the 20th pick to draft him. Lemon was shocked. He already thought he was a member of the Steelers.
Lemon told reporters he was surprised that Philadelphia moved up for him, but he is super excited and blessed to be a part of the Eagles’ organization.
The Eagles were expected to address their offense in the first round, and they did it in a big way.
Lemon won the 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is given annually to college football’s best wide receiver. He looked like a superstar at USC and has the potential to become a star wideout in the NFL. The undersized wideout makes tough catches in traffic while absorbing big hits.
He is a crafty route runner who consistently gets open over the middle of the field and outside the numbers. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts could quickly develop a rapport with Lemon next season and make him a focal point of the offense.
Lemon is also highly dynamic with the ball in his hands, generating 502 yards after the catch in 2025. He racked up 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. As a rookie, he will start next to DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks. It remains to be seen whether he plays in the slot or on the outside.
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