Makai Lemon was picked up 20th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded up to acquire the USC Trojans star wide receiver before the Pittsburgh Steelers could make the move on him.
Lemon was present in Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL draft alongside USC Director of Football Communications, Katie Ryan. On Friday, Katie shared photos from the green room, where Lemon bided his time before his name was announced in the draft.
In the photos, Lemon is wearing a light gray pinstripe suit underneath a white shirt. He accessorized the outfit with dark sunglasses, minimal jewelry and brown leather shoes. Meanwhile, Katie wore a navy evening gown, featuring a halter-style neckline. She can be seen in strappy heels.
“DRAFTED,” she wrote in the caption.
Lemon enters the NFL after a spectacular season that saw him win the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top WR in college football. The Trojans’ wide receiver caught 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs last season.
Makai Lemon Inks Four-Year Guaranteed Contract With Eagles After Draft Shock
Makai Lemon will enjoy the financial stability that comes with first round selection in the NFL draft. On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that Lemon and the Eagles have signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $20.8 million contract with a $11.5 million signing bonus.
Interestingly, Lemon thought he was heading to Pittsburgh, which called the receiver to let him know about their intentions to draft him. However, the Eagles made a shocking move. They traded No. 23, 114, and 137 to the Dallas Cowboys for the No. 20 slot and a 2027 seventh-rounder to make sure the Steelers don’t get their hands on the elite receiver out of USC.
Lemon expressed shock and excitement after learning this.
“I was definitely shocked. I couldn’t be more happy that they did.” Lemon told reporters.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman revealed why they drafted Lemon.
“Competitor. Has the ability to separate in man coverage, out of the slot, he can play outside. Really good with the ball in his hands,” Roseman said.
Head coach Nick Sirianni said he “love his toughness.”
In Philadelphia, Lemon could slot in as WR2 alongside DeVonta Smith amid growing speculation about AJ Brown’s future with the Eagles.
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