Bleacher Report
Eagles’ Howie Roseman Explains Trading Up to Draft Makai Lemon After Viral Steelers Video
9 hours ago
*What happened with Howie Roseman + Makai Lemon*
– *The trade*: Eagles GM *Howie Roseman* traded up from #23 to *#20* with the Dallas Cowboys to grab USC WR *Makai Lemon*.
– *The “steal”*: Pittsburgh Steelers were on the phone with Lemon at #21, basically giving him a “welcome to Pittsburgh” call. While they were talking, Roseman jumped ahead one spot and took him. Lemon said he got confused when Philly called instead. 415801
Lemon’s stock: He was ranked as the #1 WR on several boards and a projected top-15 pick. Fell to 20 because a run on O-linemen and other players went early.
Roseman’s angle: He said they weren’t just trying to get ahead of Pittsburgh — they wanted Lemon period. “More importantly for us than who anyone else wants, it’s who we want and who we wanna go get”.
– *A.J. Brown connection*: Timing is suspicious. AJ Brown trade rumors to the Patriots have been swirling for months, and any deal can’t happen until after June 1 due to dead cap. Drafting Lemon looks like a preemptive move for Jalen Hurts’ future weapon. 3d659000657ffc89
*The Steelers fallout*
Pittsburgh fans were heated — they thought they had him locked in. But some analysts think they might’ve landed better value anyway with OT *Max Iheanachor* at #21, and former Steeler Trai Essex says 2nd-round pick *Germie Bernard* will make fans “forget about Makai Lemon”. 657f90009039
*The viral video*
The “viral Steelers video” is Lemon on the phone with Pittsburgh when the Eagles called. It’s been all over X and Mad Dog Sports Radio. fc89657f
*Draft grades*: Mel Kiper gave it an *A*, calling it one of the best picks of the draft. fc893d65
Want me to break down Lemon’s fit in Philly’s offense with DeVonta Smith and Jalen Hurts?
