The summer months for Philadelphia Eagles first-rounder Makai Lemon were filled with frustration
A nagging hamstring injury hindered the dynamic wideout from truly hitting the ground running. And when Week 1 finally arrived with the former star USC wideout fully healthy, the results Eagles fans were hoping for were not quite there.
Yes, the Eagles emerged victorious with the 24-22 win over the visiting Washington Commanders. Despite that, there's plenty of growth to go at the pro level for their prized first-rounder.
Makai Lemon did not impress in his Eagles debut in Week 1
On the team's opening series, a quick out to the sideline from quarterback Jalen Hurts resulted in a three-yard gain for the rookie. Hurts once again found his rookie wideout in the team's second series, but Washington safety Nick Cross swallowed up Lemon for a five-yard loss. K'Lavon Chaisson forced an incomplete pass from Hurts to Lemon in early second-quarter action, while the second half would spell similar results.
Lemon's lone other reception came on the first drive of second-half action for Philadelphia, as the rookie was once again stymied - this time by Commanders safety Quan Martin - for a 3-yard loss on a short pass to the left flat by Hurts.
For Lemon (three catches, -5 yards, four targets), the only direction to go is upward and onward from this one. In his only previous preseason action, Lemon registered three catches for three yards on five targets.
The production has to ramp up, and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion must continue to work with the rookie who dazzled so often on his way to winning the Biletnikoff award as the top wideout in college football.
Look for Mannion to get more creative with the rookie in the coming weeks, since the short stuff isn't sparking chunk plays. Lemon showed in college that he can make plays in many ways, not just on underneath stuff. This staff needs to add more varied looks moving forward.
A closer glance at Eagles rookie class in Week 1 action
Looking at the rest of this year's draft class, Eli Stowers (second-round TE) is now on Injured Reserve. Markel Bell (third-round OT) was active at backup tackle in Weekthird-round 1, while the duo of Cole Payton (fifth-round QB) and Micah Morris (sixth-round OG) were both inactive. Cole Wisniewski (seventh-round S) remains on the practice squad for now, along with Uar Bernard (seventh - round DT) and Keyshawn James-Newby (seventh-round edge).
With the regular season just getting underway, it's going to be interesting to see who emerges from this class as the 2026 campaign unfolds.
Bell has shown a ton of upside, and Lemon has a tremendous pedigree, but it has to translate on Sundays. It looks like it'll take time for him to acclimate and make a real impact.
Read more: Jalen Hurts' performance in Eagles' Week 1 win shows what he always needed to do
Meanwhile, Payton, Morris, Wisniewski, and the other rookies from this draft class will continue to work relentlessly in practice, waiting for their number to be called.
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