Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

More on Makai Lemon

Posted April 24th, 2026 | 1 Comment »

The Eagles spend almost a full year scouting draft prospects. They have meetings in May to talk about the upcoming class of prospects. They send scouts to schools and games throughout the summer and fall. They go to the all star games. They go to the Combine and then Pro Days. All of this effort and information go into the making of a draft board. Good teams trust their board. They don’t make last second decisions that bypass all the research. Makai Lemon was the highest rated player on the board so the Eagles went and got him.

Pittsburgh wanted Lemon and was waiting for him. That’s not the way Howie operates. If a really good player is within reach, he goes and gets him. It hurts to give up a pair of fourth round picks, but those were likely going to be role players. Recent fourth rounders include Ty Robinson, Will Shipley, Kelee Ringo and Zech McPhearson. Lemon has a chance to be an impact player. He could also fail. There is no certainty in the draft. But he was such good value at 20 that Howie felt strongly about getting him.

Oof, as Jimmy Bama would say. The Steelers were caught completely off guard. They didn’t get the player they wanted and had to make a hard pivot. Steelers fans are not happy at all.

Why did Lemon fall? He’s only 5-11, 192. His Pro Days times were in the 4.45 to 4.50 range. That’s not ideal size or speed. And it isn’t an ideal combination. The thing that people sometimes overlook is how fast a guy plays. What good is 4.30 speed if the player is out of control or isn’t functional. Anquan Boldin ran 4.70 at the Combine. He had a knee issue that slowed him, but he was still never a burner. He played fast, though. Everything was full speed. You see that with Lemon. He gets the ball and gets to full speed in a hurry.

Lemon also has the right size/speed for his role.

Forget the AJ comment there. He’s as good as gone. But the route tree shows Lemon winning everywhere but on go routes. You don’t expect him to win on those. The key is that he can win everywhere else. Watch his game tape and you’ll see that.

That effort on the block is impressive. That’s the kind of thing the 2025 Eagles were missing. Players were too focused on themselves and not helping their teammates. As for the Illinois game, I watched that. I was pulling for them and Lemon drove me crazy with his clutch catches. That’s changed now, of course. Love the fact he came through in a critical situation.

The gauntlet drill is something I really value. It shows body control and hands. Lemon runs straight down the line and catches the passes with ease. He has strong, natural hands. That’s exactly what you want in a guy who will be working the middle of the field.

A lot of people expected the Rams to take Lemon. He felt like their type of receiver. I should have connected the dots that the Eagles will be running that kind of system and would value a player with Lemon’s skill set and mentality. He will block. He will take big hits. He is a dawg, as the kids say.

Some of you aren’t going to like the pick. Maybe you don’t like Lemon as a player. Maybe you hate that this signals AJ is gone. Maybe the trade-up is your issue. It is absolutely fine to dislike the pick. I do hope you understand it makes a lot of sense from the Eagles perspective. They got a Top 15 talent at pick 20. He fits their new scheme. He’s cheap.

Here is what the Eagles would hope Lemon turns into.

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One Comment on “More on Makai Lemon”

  1. 1 Eagles News: Makai Lemon pick emphasizes that “the Eagles offense, and Jalen Hurts with it, needs to change” - Philly Fan Radio said at 1:46 AM on April 25th, 2026:

    […] More on Makai Lemon – Iggles BlitzWhy did Lemon fall? He’s only 5-11, 192. His Pro Days times were in the 4.45 to 4.50 range. That’s not ideal size or speed. And it isn’t an ideal combination. The thing that people sometimes overlook is how fast a guy plays. What good is 4.30 speed if the player is out of control or isn’t functional. Anquan Boldin ran 4.70 at the Combine. He had a knee issue that slowed him, but he was still never a burner. He played fast, though. Everything was full speed. You see that with Lemon. He gets the ball and gets to full speed in a hurry. […]