At some point, one would think the Dallas Cowboys would stop trading with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the NFL draft.
Back in 2021, the two teams traded with one another, and the Eagles moved up to get Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith. In the five seasons since, Smith has put up three 1,000-yard seasons, scored 31 touchdowns, and won a Super Bowl.
Philadelphia is hoping Makai Lemon follows a similar trajectory after the team traded up from 23 to 20, sending the Cowboys two fourth-rounders (114 and 137 overall) to grab him right before the Pittsburgh Steelers planned to take him.
The Eagles were applauded for not only sniping Lemon right out from under the Steelers’ nose, but for also landing a WR who was considered the third-best player at his position and someone who can slide right in and replace A.J. Brown when he’s inevitably traded to the New England Patriots after June 1.
Among those praising the Eagles got for the Lemon pick was ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., who declared Philadelphia one of the winners of Round 1.
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“If you’ve followed my pre-draft preview content and listened to me on the ‘First Draft’ podcast, you know I absolutely love Lemon’s game,” Kiper said. “I had him as the No. 11 prospect on my board. He’s a true baller who attacks the ball in the air and creates after the catch, finishing eighth in the FBS in receiving yards last season (1,156). Also, what a fit in Philadelphia, which appears to be on the verge of trading A.J. Brown to the Patriots.
“We knew the Eagles were probably going to target a receiver, but I didn’t think Lemon would still be on the board this late. I gave the Cowboys props for the trade, so I have to mention the flipside here. But given the value of the prospect and the clear need on the not-so-distant horizon, I think it also makes sense for Philadelphia.”
Lemon won the Biletnikoff award last season as the best receiver in college football. He totaled 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns at USC.
The Eagles have set themselves up well to handle Brown’s eventual departure. Lemon joins Smith, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, and Johnny Wilson in a revamped Eagles WR room.
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