Watch Makai Lemon's Shocked Reaction After Learning of Eagles Trade During Steelers Call on Video

The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2026 NFL draft potentially needing a wide receiver to replace A.J. Brown if they do end up trading the veteran, but Makai Lemon was "shocked" it ended up being him.

As Grant Gordon of NFL.com detailed, the USC receiver was on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers since they planned to take him at No. 21 overall when the Eagles traded up to No. 20 and selected him instead.

"I was definitely shocked," Lemon said. "Definitely. I couldn't be more happy that they did. I'm super blessed."

He added, "it was the right time, the right team, and everything worked out just how it was supposed to be."

Lemon surely would have received quite the ovation from the Steelers fans at the draft in Pittsburgh, but the AFC North team had to pivot and settled on Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor at No. 21.

As for the Eagles, they'll add Lemon to a wide receiver group that features DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks and Marquise Brown. It also features Brown, but that could change in the near future.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported before the draft that a potential trade that would send Brown to the New England Patriots "is still on the table and still tracking to happen on or after June 1. … All the elements remain in place to make it happen, and Brown to the Patriots is still the likely outcome." 

The timing of the deal, if it happens, is largely to split his $40 million salary cap charge between 2026 and 2027.

Even without Brown, there is plenty of talent on the Philadelphia offense with Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and Smith. That means Lemon will likely face plenty of single coverage and favorable matchups as opposing defenses are worried about the other playmakers, which could lead to quite the productive rookie season.

If it does, it will make the trade up to draft him in a "surprise" move all the more worth it.