Makai Lemon, Philadelphia Eagles, Round 1, Pick 20
The Eagles selected wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lemon, a USC product, now joins an Eagles offense that is expected to reset with A.J. Brown departing.
Projected Role in the Eagles Offense
- Lemon will be an immediate starter in an Eagles offense in transition.
- Expected snap share: 80%
- Timeline to start: Week 1 Starter
- Primary competition: Operating under the assumption that Brown is no longer an Eagle, Lemon's primary competition will be veterans Marquise Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore. Tight end Dallas Goedert will be the primary competition as the secondary target behind DeVonta Smith.
Key Takeaways
- Makai Lemon projects as an immediate starter on an offense that is expecting to replace A.J. Brown.
- Expected fantasy value: WR4 as a rookie, in Dynasty, he has the potential to become a fantasy WR1.
- Biggest winner: DeVonta Smith
- Biggest losers: Marquise Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore
Fantasy Football Impact of Makai Lemon on the Philadelphia Eagles
The A.J. Brown trade is all but official. The Eagles need to wait until after June 1st to trade Brown, and rumors hit draft week that a deal with New England is expected.
Lemon provides both an immediate potential starter and a long-term passing game focal point as Smith enters his age-28 season.
The Eagles have not been a high-volume passing attack, potentially limiting Lemon's path to fantasy utility as Smith and Brown became a feared fantasy pairing due to their big-play ability. Goedert enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, and most of his impact came in the screen and short passing game, a projected strength for Lemon.
Many view Lemon primarily as a slot receiver; in Philadelphia's attack, he will need to show the ability to consistently win outside.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
Lemon should compete with Goedert for second place in the team's target tree behind Smith. He may struggle to make a meaningful impact