Howie Roseman explains why the Eagles drafted Makai Lemon
The Eagles GM and head coach addressed how Lemon affects A.J. Brown’s future, and the Steelers calling the draft pick first.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Eagles liked USC wide receiver Makai Lemon enough to make a trade with the Cowboys to get their guy at No. 20 .
After the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni spoke with reporters about what they liked about Lemon, how he’ll add to the WR room, and why they moved up to get him. “ ROSEMAN : He has a lot to like about him — competitor, has the ability to separate in man coverage, out of the slot, he can play outside. Physical player, really good with the ball in his hands, really good hands, really good in zone coverage, has really good insights.
” SIRIANNI : Insane ability to catch the ball in contested situations. I love his toughness, I think this guy is a tough, tough football player with the way he carries the football, and when he has the football in his hands and how he blocks. Insanely competitive, so there’s a lot to like.
Really excited he’s added to our roster. “ Sirianni later talked about Lemon being a versatile player who can play inside and outside, so they don’t want to commit him to the slot, but he’s excited to get the WR in the building and see what he can do. The head coach also highlighted one of Lemon’s tape that showed relentless effort to chase down a defender after an interception, and how he’s a guy that is competitive in all things, even when the ball isn’t coming his way.