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.

_

Eagles Go WR

Posted April 23rd, 2026 | Comments Off on Eagles Go WR

Howie Roseman loves value and he showed that again with the Eagles first round pick. WR Makai Lemon was a Top 15 for the Eagles and for most people doing draft evaluations. He won the Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in the nation and had a great season. When the Eagles saw him start to fall, they started making calls. Eventually they made a trade with Dallas and got their guy.

Lemon is 5-11, 192. He runs in the 4.45 range. Here are my raw notes on him.

Highly productive receiver. Went 79-1156-11 in 2025. Strong, physical player. Lacks ideal size and speed, but plays bigger and faster than he is. Might remind you of Amon-Ra St. Brown. Has very good hands. Made some spectacular catches. Terrific body control. Able to make catches through contact. Good RAC ability. Destined to be a slot receiver in the NFL. Does a good job of working the middle of the field so he could excel in that role.

Sean Mannion’s offensive scheme relies on yards after the catch. That has been an issue for the Eagles in recent years. Lemon can make a major impact in that area.

Howie and Nick said that they feel Lemon can play outside or in the slot. He is a terrific route runner and understands how to get open. He’s able to create separation through his body control and quickness. I mentioned Amon-Ra St. Brown as a comparison. He also has a bit of Puka Nacua to his game. Lemon adds value as a KOR. Whether on returns or after the catch, he is great in the open field. He has excellent vision and instincts. He will run through arm tackles. He’s elusive. WR screens have been mostly awful in recent years. Lemon is very good on those and can hopefully have success on them. Lemon goes full speed when the ball is in his hands.. He is a true competitor. He referred to himself as a “dawg” and I can’t disagree.

The Eagles met him at the Combine and brought him to Philly for a visit. This is a player they did their homework on and really wanted. Howie gave up a pair of fourth round picks to go get him. That kills me, but we’ve seen time and again that top talent is what it takes to win big in this league. Lemon was my #2 receiver. I never expected him to fall to 20.

This is another sign that AJ Brown will be traded this summer. The Eagles can now line up DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks on the outside and Lemon in the slot. That’s a good trio. Drafting a WR also helps the team financially. He will cost a reasonable amount for the next five years. The team is paying big bucks to other offensive stars so they need to balance that out with some inexpensive talent.

Some people hate this pick because they think of JJAW and Jalen Reagor. JJAW was a second round pick. Reagor went 21st overall, but the consensus big board from 2020 had Reagor as the 39th overall prospect. That was a reach by the Eagles. Lemon is a completely different story. He was highly rated by everyone and is an ideal fit in the new offense. Reagor had some maturity issues. Lemon is ultra-competitive. Nick mentioned that when Lemon was a freshman he chased down a DB after an INT and made the tackle. He said it was a really impressive play that showed just how tough and competitive Lemon is.

The Eagles tried to call Lemon to tell him they were going to take him at 20. He wasn’t able to take the call because he was on the phone with the Steelers, who told him they were going to take him at 21. Philly is getting the best of Pittsburgh the last couple of weeks.

I was surprised the Eagles took Lemon because they had spent so much time on speedsters, guys who ran in the 4.3’s. Lemon plays faster than he times. Obviously they focused on the game tape, where they saw a super tough, talented receiver who can make plays. The Eagles offense just got better.

Day 2 will be interesting. The Eagles have three picks. Will they get an OT or focus on edge rushers? I’ll post a preview on Friday. For now enjoy the Eagles new offensive weapon.

_