Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon has some big shoes to fill with A.J. Brown out, but his role in 2026 should be larger than most of the other receivers in his class.
It took a trade with a division rival to move up three spots to land Lemon with the 20th overall pick of the draft. The Eagles are hoping he will be the future number two receiver with DeVonta Smith taking over as the focal point in the passing game. Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox sees Lemon competing for the slot receiver job with Marquise Brown, but having an advantage over him.
"The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to secure USC receiver Makai Lemon, a dynamic pass-catcher who can create mismatches out of the slot in Sean Mannion's offense."
"The Eagles, of course, traded A.J. Brown after the draft, meaning they have a perimeter spot open opposite DeVonta Smith. However, trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks is better suited for that role, while Lemon should be at home in the slot. Philly also added Marquise Brown this offseason, so Lemon will have to earn the starting slot role in training camp. However, he should have the inside track because of the Eagles' investment in him."
Makai Lemon should be starting slot receiver over Marquise Brown in 2026
Lemon has always been the top choice for the Eagles' starting slot receiver. His 2025 season with USC was proof enough that he's a Day 1 starter, putting up 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns and winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver.
Brown was brought in as the first option in free agency to serve as a potential starter if the Eagles couldn't find a solid player in the draft. After Lemon's selection, though, Brown became an easy choice to be a backup to be on the field in certain situations.
The two Eagles receivers should still get plenty of playing time throughout the season, though. Brown is a deep threat and will be out there when the Eagles need to send him downfield on a streak route. Lemon will be viewed more as a third-down receiver for Jalen Hurts when attention is fully on Smith.
Some might believe that Brown has a chance to start on the team, but it's not really realistic since Lemon was a first-round pick and the Eagles want him on the field right away. Brown is more of a situational receiver, while Lemon is going to develop into a WR2 option, or potentially a WR1 if Smith ever gets too expensive for them.
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Eagles fans are hopeful that Lemon will live up to the expectations set for him. Don't expect too much of a position battle in the slot, though, as it's Lemon's job to lose.
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