Full Breakdown
Eagles Trade Up to Draft Makai Lemon, Overtaking Steelers
4/25/2026, 10:56:19 PM
Core Event: Trade and Phone Call
On April 24, 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles traded with the Dallas Cowboys to move from the 23rd to the 20th pick and selected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. The Steelers were on a call with Lemon, expecting to pick him at 21, when the Eagles announced the trade.
Background & Context
The NFL Draft employs a point-based trade chart to gauge the relative value of selections, with first-round picks carrying the highest point values and often targeted in trades.
Draft Rules and Review
NFL policy bars non-clock teams from contacting prospects while another team is on the clock. Former Eagles exec Jake Rosenberg said the Steelers’ call could breach that rule. The league will review the call post-draft.
Key Players & Trade Details
The Eagles gave up the No. 23 pick and fourth-rounders No. 114 and No. 137 for the No. 20 slot and a 2027 seventh-round pick. GM Howie Roseman led the deal; Steelers GM Omar Khan was on the call.
Timeline
- April 24, 2026 – Eagles acquire No. 20 pick.
- 20:00 ET – Lemon selected.
- 20:02 ET – Steelers’ call aired.
Official Statements & Responses
The NFL announced it will examine the Steelers’ contact with Lemon during its routine post-draft review. Roseman said the trade was essential to secure a highly-rated player despite losing two fourth-round picks. Rosenberg warned the call might breach the outreach rule.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts contend the Eagles overpaid, giving up two fourth-rounders for a modest three-spot move, a cost some deem excessive under modern trade-chart valuations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Traditional trade-chart values assign 850 points to pick 20 and 760 to pick 23, a 90-point gap; modern charts show only a 24-point difference. No official Steelers comment on the alleged rule breach.
On-the-Ground Reaction
Lemon said the trade felt destined and he’s eager to contribute.
Verbatim Quotes
- "The league reviews all aspects of the Draft the week after its conclusion." — NFL spokesperson
- "We just traded up, we're picking ya! You're an Eagle! Congrats, brother." — Howie Roseman, Eagles General Manager
- "I was definitely shocked. I couldn't be more happy that they did. I'm super blessed." — Makai Lemon, USC wide receiver
- "They’re getting a dawg. This is ready to work for real. I ain’t doing no playing." — Makai Lemon, USC wide receiver
Why It Matters
The move highlights the Eagles’ aggressive roster building, may reshape the NFC East offense, pressures the Steelers’ draft strategy, and foreshadows a potential A.J. Brown trade. The decision also influences the league’s broader draft strategy trends, as teams weigh the cost of moving up against depth loss.
What's Next
The NFL’s review panel will issue findings within a week, and Philadelphia will evaluate A.J. Brown’s trade options after June 1.
