Eagles Rookie Makai Lemon Leads Team in Yards After Catch
With two starters out, the 22-year-old wide receiver recorded 39 yards after the catch and scored his first career touchdown against the Cowboys.
By Miguel Navarro ·
Makai Lemon recorded 39 yards after the catch in a Monday night game, the highest total for any Philadelphia Eagles receiver this season. The rookie wide receiver finished with 98 total yards after the catch over seven games, a team-leading figure that underscores his growing role in the offense.
The performance came against the Dallas Cowboys when starting wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks were unavailable due to injury. Lemon caught seven passes for 194 yards, his second-most productive game of the season. He scored his first career touchdown on a quick slant near the goal line in the third quarter, giving the Eagles a 21-20 lead.
Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion praised the 22-year-old former USC Trojan for his hands and route running. "He catches the ball so confidently," Mannion said. "He doesn't break stride. He’s got great instincts. He’s got great feel for space over the middle of the field, and it came to light during the game."
Lemon’s production has increased as the season has progressed. He received only nine targets in his first three games. By the most recent stretch, he had accumulated 27 targets. This shift in usage occurred before the current injury crisis forced the coaching staff to rely more heavily on the rookie.
The Eagles acquired Lemon in the 2026 NFL Draft by trading up three spots from 23rd to 20th overall. The move was executed with their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Lemon had been on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who expected to select him at pick 21, when the Eagles announced the trade.
General manager Howie Roseman and the scouting department identified Lemon as the best player available on their board. The selection of the Fred Biletnikoff Award winner from the College Football Playoff era was viewed as an aggressive bet on his long-term potential. Lemon was one of five wide receivers selected in the first round this year.
Lemon trails several of his draft class peers in total receiving yards. Carnell Tate, selected fourth overall, has 413 yards on 34 catches. KC Concepcion, taken 24th, has 315 yards on 39 catches. Jordan Tyson, the eighth pick, has not played due to injury. Omar Cooper, selected 30th, has 248 yards on 12 catches in three games.
Smith suffered a hamstring injury and Wicks dealt with an ankle issue, causing both to miss practice ahead of the next game. Lemon is expected to start again at wide receiver. "The more you do something, the more comfortable you get," Lemon said.
Source: WBCB
