The Philadelphia Eagles executed a big trade with the Dallas Cowboys to move up in Thursday’s first round of the NFL draft and select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick.
The Eagles acquired the No. 20 selection and a seventh-round choice from the Cowboys in exchange for pick Nos. 23, 114, and 137. Dallas later used the 23rd overall pick on pass-rusher Malachi Lawrence. The swap is the first to take place between the division rivals in Round 1 since the 2021 event, when Philadelphia chose receiver DeVonta Smith and Dallas landed edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Lemon experienced a breakout campaign in 2025, recording 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdown catches.
Lemon lands on an Eagles team that’s expected to trade star wideout A.J. Brown this offseason. Brown, a six-time 1,000-yard wideout, has been the subject of trade speculation for months after expressing frustration with his role in Philadelphia’s offense over the past two seasons. He’s reportedly likely to be sent to the New England Patriots in June.
The Eagles’ wide receiver room also features Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown, among others. Philadelphia acquired Wicks in a trade with the Green Bay Packers earlier in April and signed Hollywood Brown in March.
Lemon’s predraft profile
Lemon has the potential to be the NFL’s next great slot receiver. He’ll draw plenty of comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown, and they won’t be unwarranted. Much like his fellow USC alum, Lemon has the short-area quickness and route nuance to be an extremely difficult cover with a two-way go. He’s a highly competitive player who does the dirty work required of slot receivers in the run game, provides toughness over the middle of the field, and punches far above his weight class in contested situations.
His size and relatively limited catch radius may present issues at the pro level, but his demeanor should help him translate everything he put on tape in college. His dynamic playmaking ability after the catch stands out, and he consistently makes the first defender miss. He also provides value in the return game. If Lemon joins an offense that maximizes his do-it-all skill set, he’s sure to become a Pro Bowler.
