The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Apr. 23 that they traded up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select wide receiver Makai Lemon from the University of Southern California. The team moved from pick No. 23 to No. 20, sending their original first-round pick and two fourth-round selections (114th and 137th overall) to the Dallas Cowboys, while also receiving a seventh-round pick for 2027.
This move highlights the Eagles’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their roster as they continue to compete at a high level in professional football. The organization operates as a professional American football team in the National Football League and has been based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since entering the league in 1933, according to the official website.
Head Coach Nick Sirianni praised Lemon’s abilities after Round One concluded, saying, “When you watch Makai, you see someone who has the ability to create separation on the outside… He has insane ability to make contested catches. He’s strong for his size – his body is strong, his hands are strong.” Sirianni added that Lemon can play both inside and outside receiver positions at a high level.
Executive Vice President and General Manager Howie Roseman said he was determined not to miss out on drafting Lemon: “There’s a lot to like about him… Has the ability to separate in man coverage. At the slot. Can play outside. Physical player. Really good with the ball in his hands… It just felt like it made a lot of sense based on our board.” Roseman emphasized that moving up was necessary because “when you have a player that you like, that is ranked higher on your board than where you are picking, you think that every pick he’s going to be selected.” He added: “Certainly for us, we didn’t want to sit on our hands. We wanted to go and get him and so that’s why I made the trade.”
Lemon joins an Eagles wide receiver group already bolstered by offseason acquisitions including Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore through free agency and Dontayvian Wicks via trade.
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Looking ahead, Roseman indicated there could be more moves during this year’s draft weekend as he continues seeking opportunities for improvement.
