Eagles’ DeVonta Smith is Ready to Take Makai Lemon Under His Wing

News ArticlePublishedMay 02, 2026 at 11:06 PM EDTupdatedMay 02, 2026 at 11:07 PM EDTBy Matthew CoudenContributing WriterThe Eagles made a statement move in this year's NFL Draft, selecting USC receiver Makai Lemon in the first round, announcing to the world it was time to move on from veteran A.J. Brown.Brown had seemingly been a talking point throughout the Eagles' struggles, with their first-round playoff exit a telltale sign that something needed to change. Despite Brown suggesting he was committed to Philadelphia, that doesn't seem to be mutual on his team's end.Many people expect Brown to be gone by early June, and the Eagles will have a talented rookie in Lemon. While not all rookies are immediately successful in the league, Lemon will benefit from veteran mentors, with DeVonta Smith recently offering his support should the rookie need it.More news: Makai Lemon Reveals He’ll Wear Former Eagles Star’s Jersey Number..."Whatever he needs, he has it from me. I'm not gonna try to, you know, get in his way. Everyone handles things differently, but if he needs me, I'm there for him," Smith told reporters.That's exactly the type of support and mentorship that can take a rookie a long way in the