What Will Makai Lemon’s Role Be as a Rookie?
May 1, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) runs drills during rookie minicamp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Howie Roseman set the record straight back in April for what his plans were for A.J. Brown‘s future. By taking USC star receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, it became abundantly clear that the A.J. era in Philly would come to a close, with Lemon immediately inserting himself into potentially a big role as a rookie. Now, the question lies in what that role may be.
In his three years playing collegiate football, Lemon was known for his top-tier hands, exceptional route running, and versatility. Playing mainly in the slot, the 5-foot-11 receiver was named the nation’s top wideout and given the Biletnikoff Award after his 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 12 games with the Trojans. Throughout his three years with USC, Lemon dropped just 2.8% of the balls thrown his way and was additionally known as a high-effort blocker who made an impact in more than just his receiving ability.
With DeVonta Smith stepping up into the new primary receiving role after Brown’s departure, Lemon is most likely to take over Smith’s secondary receiver role. Albeit, there isn’t much competition for him in the receiving room anyway. Hollywood Brown is likely the best wide-out after Smith and Lemon, as he had 587 yards and 5 touchdowns last season with Kansas City, but Lemon will probably end up ahead of him in the depth chart. The newly acquired Dontayvion Wicks had just 332 total yards and two touchdowns last season with the Packers, and Elijah Moore had just 9 receptions for 112 yards last season with Buffalo, so they are unlikely to provide any real competition for Lemon’s spot either. A dark horse, however, lies in Darius Cooper. Cooper has had an excellent training camp, garnering national attention for his productive reps with the first-team. Cooper, who had just 9 receptions for 92 yards last season, could possibly be in competition with Lemon. Other than him, it seems as if no one else in the receiving room can really eat into Lemon’s playing time.
Even though the guys behind Lemon won’t eat much into his playing time, many have taken on the role as a mentor for him.
“I just think he’s a dawg,” Wicks said. “Don’t talk too much. Don’t complain a lot. He just goes out and works. And that’s what you want to get from a young player, feel me? think he just goes out and works, and he’s a baller.”
Lemon isn’t going to move into a receiving position that he is not used to, and it is more likely than not that he once again will be playing primarily in the slot. This complements Jalen Hurts‘ game nicely, as Hurts often thrives in the short game with quick dumpoffs across the middle to cutting receivers. Lemon works exceptionally in open space, offering a quick-release option underneath for Hurts. His short-area quickness and physical running style after the catch will be a great help down low, especially due to Hurts’ questionable accuracy when it comes to the deep ball.
“Makai works extremely hard,” Brown said of his fellow USC alum. “He’s very detailed as well, and he’s tough. He’s competing every day. You guys see it. He gets hit, bounces back up and goes hard the next play. I’m impressed with him.
Only time will tell how Nick Sirianni elects to treat his new wide-out from USC, and with the season three weeks away, he has plenty of opportunity to figure out that game plan. No matter how Sirianni chooses to treat Lemon, hopes are high that the rookie will help bring Philadelphia back into Super Bowl contention
Evan Hartenstein
Evan has been a member of the Philly Sports Reports team since March 2023. He is covering the 76ers and wants to pursue a long-lasting career in Sports Journalism.
Get New Articles Emailed Right To Your Inbox:
