Eagles Have ‘Big' Plans for Rookie WR

Early in the offseason, it was expected the Philadelphia Eagles would make a shakeup at wide receiver.

The Eagles traded with the Green Bay Packers for Dontayvion Wicks and selected Makai Lemon in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. In June, Philadelphia traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots.

DeVonta Smith, who led the Eagles in receiving last season, is expected to be the clear WR1 for quarterback Jalen Hurts this season. However, Philadelphia should have better production from its receiver corps surrounding Smith, and Lemon is expected to play a key role in the passing game this season.

More News:FIFA Under Fire For Defending Attendance For World Cup Match

More News: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Slams Ole Miss for ‘Basket Weaving' Degree

Per Tim McManus of ESPN, first-year Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion wants to send Lemon in motion out of the slot to utilize his speed. There is one complication for Lemon, as he’ll have to get up to speed at practice in training camp after missing mandatory minicamp earlier in June due to a hamstring injury.

“Lemon jumped into the mix with the starters and was mainly featured in the slot. Pre-snap motion is expected to be featured in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s scheme, and early indications suggest Lemon will be a big part of that,” McManus wrote.

“There were some expected growing pains, but Lemon’s short-area quickness stands out. He was sidelined for minicamp because of a hamstring injury.“

Lemon should come into the season with a chip on his shoulder. He was expected to be a top 15 pick, and some scouts had him as the best receiver in the draft. Lemon slid to the Eagles at No. 20, and he’s motivated to prove his worth with the Eagles.

“They’re going to get somebody that’s going to come in and wants to compete at a high level,” Lemon said, via the Eagles.

“A dog. Somebody that’s just going to do anything that the organization needs me to do at a high level. Just playing for my teammates, day in and day out. Leading by example and just being the best player and person that I can be each and every day.”

Once Lemon gets comfortable with Mannion’s offense, he could be scary for opposing secondaries to defend out of the slot.

For more on the Eagles and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 8:02 PM.