The Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a stunning draft-day maneuver on Thursday night, trading up to the No. 20 overall pick to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The move was particularly dramatic as the Pittsburgh Steelers, who held the No. 21 selection, were reportedly already on the phone with Lemon to inform him of their intention to draft him. According to Rapoport, the Eagles struck a deal with the Dallas Cowboys to leapfrog their cross-state rivals and secure the standout playmaker. Lemon later confirmed he was speaking with the Steelers when the Eagles' call came through, creating an awkward and high-stakes moment in the draft room.
To facilitate the jump, Philadelphia sent the No. 23 pick and two fourth-round selections (Nos. 114 and 137) to the Cowboys in exchange for the No. 20 pick and a 2027 seventh-rounder. Lemon, the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, is coming off a massive season at USC where he recorded 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Rapoport also reported that the Eagles are "operating under the assumption" that star receiver A.J. Brown may not be with the team next season, making the Lemon selection a critical roster move.
The Steelers, forced to pivot after losing their top target, ultimately selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick to bolster their offensive line.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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