Note: This report will include new information, everyday through the end of the NFL Draft. Check back daily to get the updates.
Round 1: WR Makai Lemon 5’11, 192 – It was weird to see the Eagles trade up from 23rd to 20th, to select a smallish slot receiver. Before anyone gets pissed that I called him that, GM Howie Roseman and Head Coach Nick Sirianni already conceded as much, during their press conference about drafting him.
So yeah, it was weird drafting a slot, especially one who runs a 4.53 Forty, and doesn’t generate much buzz about his run after the catch skills. There is talk that he can play on the outside, and is competitive for jump balls. At least he has been in college. Well that talk had better be true at the NFL level, too.
No team moves up to draft a player at #20, for him to ride pine. Clearly the Eagles expect an early contribution from Lemon. His drafting signals that the rumors are true, about WR A.J. Brown being traded soon. If Lemon is the direct replacement, he lacks the speed, vertical leap, tackle breaking and size (at 6’1, 226 Brown is 2 inches taller and 34 pounds heavier) of Brown.
So if the Eagles are looking for Lemon to make his living on the Go routes, Slants and Hitches that Brown did, that would be sort of unfair. Lemon might be better suited to Drags, Screens and Quick Outs, all run from the slot. Then of course that can be built on, as Sirianni suggested right at the end of the presser.


