Philadelphia Eagles trade up to draft Makai Lemon amid AJ Brown rumours
The Philadelphia Eagles have traded up with NFC East rivals the Dallas Cowboys to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
To secure the 20th selection, Philadelphia sent the 23rd overall pick alongside two fourth-round choices to Dallas.
In return, the Eagles also received a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Texan franchise.
Brown departure looms over Philadelphia
The arrival of a highly-rated collegiate prospect adds further weight to reports suggesting AJ Brown will soon depart Lincoln Financial Field.
Sources indicate the prolific receiver is likely to be traded to the New England Patriots on or after 1 June.
A delayed agreement allows Brown’s substantial $40m (£32m) salary cap hit to be spread out across the next two seasons.
Offseason receiver overhaul
Lemon joins a rapidly evolving offensive roster following a busy period of recruitment by the Eagles’ front office.
Philadelphia has already signed free agents Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore to bolster their attacking options.
The franchise also acquired Dontayvion Wicks via a trade with the Green Bay Packers earlier this offseason.
A prolific collegiate career
The former Trojans standout arrives in the NFL on the back of an exceptional final year in college football.
The All-American pass-catcher recorded 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
Over his collegiate career, the dynamic playmaker amassed over 2,000 receiving yards and found the endzone 14 times.