The Philadelphia Eagles surprised everyone on NFL draft night, including the player they selected from USC in Makai Lemon. They traded up to steal him from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Eagles Wire's Geoffrey A Knox put the epic trade into words in a recent article . Here is what he had to say on the Makai Lemon selection:

"Suddenly, the questions have answers. The result is anything but ordinary. Philadelphia didn't just make a pick. They made a statement.

And, just like that, conversations will shift as everyone is forced to reconsider what Philadelphia's offense could look like moving forward. This wasn't about playing it safe. It wasn't about checking the most obvious box or following the expected script. It was about identifying a difference-maker and refusing to let the opportunity pass.

Lemon is the Polynesian College Football Co-Player of the Year and the 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner. He's also a Unanimous All-American. His arrival is expected to bring explosiveness, versatility, and a level of playmaking that instantly raises the offense's ceiling. This isn't just another draft selection. It's Philadelphia choosing upside, creativity, and evolution over predictability."

The Eagles will be sending A.J. Brown out of Philadelphia very soon, but before that process is in effect, they will welcome a highly credible weapon in Makai Lemon. It wasn't the favorite landing spot for him coming into the draft but it is one that very well could bring great early success to him.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC's Makai Lemon involved in major move at 2026 NFL Draft