The Ringer's Philly Special Eagles Draft Makai Lemon! Did They Get it Right?
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Apr 24, 2026 
Zach Berman, NFL reporter at The Athletic, gives insider context on the Eagles trading up to draft USC receiver Makai Lemon. They unpack the trade timeline, Lemon’s profile and fit in the offense. Conversation also covers whether this signals a post-AJ Brown roster and who the likely Day Two targets could be.
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Team Boards Can Diverge From Public Consensus
- The Eagles' internal board differed from public mocks; Lemon ranked higher for them, showing team-specific evaluations matter.
- Berman ran a list where he moved Lemon off it after sources said he wouldn't be available, but the Eagles still had him top-15.
Trade Up Delivered Value At Receiver
- The Eagles got clear value trading up for Makai Lemon because he fills an immediate and long-term need at wide receiver.
- Zach Berman notes Lemon was considered a top-15 player on the Eagles' board and wasn't expected to be available at 23, justifying the move.
Eagles Traded Up Because Lemon Stood Alone
- The Eagles moved aggressively because Lemon separated from other receivers on their board and they believed he wouldn't last to pick 23.
- Howie Roseman's process showed Lemon was the sole player remaining in a preferred tier, prompting the trade up.