The rookies are in the building, and the day before they were set to take the practice field for the first time, they spoke to reporters to answers some questions. Makai Lemon expressed being eager to get out on the field and get to work, but also said he’s taken some time before he falls asleep at night to appreciate the surreal experience of realizing his dream of playing in the NFL.
The Eagles’ first-round pick said that he’s been loving the City of Philadelphia since he got to town, and he definitely
felt the love at the Sixers game last weekend. Lemon also said he’s excited to be in an offense like this, and thinks his skillset will mesh really well with what they’re trying to do.
Here’s some of what he had to say:
On Sean Mannion
“Getting to know him more and more, you know, as a person and then as a coach really. He’s super invested into the players, so I’m excited to learn a lot from him.”
On meeting DeVonta Smith
He also talked about being with DeVonta Smith at the Sixers game, and noted that he didn’t pick his brain too much given the environment. Still, Smith told the rookie that he was going to love playing Philadelphia, and gave Lemon a lot to look forward to.
“Yeah, super humble guy. Super chill, super calm – kind of my type of vibe. So, I feel like me and [DeVonta Smith] clicked on those things. But you know, when we step on the field, you know, he already know he got that dog mentality. So, I feel like me and him are going to click well. Definitely.”
Lemon thinks he and Smith will definitely push each other given their similar mindsets, and being able to line up next to a guy like Smith will only make him better.
“He definitely, you know, not the biggest guy, not the tallest guy on the field, but having that heart, makes him such an impact player, and that’s what sticks out to me.”
On wearing No. 9
“It’s going to be nine. No. 9. Appreciate the Eagles so much, and Nick Foles especially, to pass that number down because I know he could have easily kept that number to himself. Such a great player when he was here wearing that No. 9, you know, led them to the Super Bowl. So, I appreciate him so much. I definitely cherish that so much and I will represent the nine well wearing it – represent the team well. So I’m just super excited to to get that number for sure.”
Lemon explained that he was aware that he would be the first player to wear No. 9 since Foles left the Eagles, but said he learned more about it and appreciated it even more.
“Getting to know the whole backstory with Carson Wentz went down, and then, [Foles] came in and then led the team to the Super Bowl, and did what he did. So, I appreciate him so much. I definitely don’t take that lightly.”
The rookie WR also confirmed that Foles wanted to tell Lemon the news personally, and wanted to speak to him on the phone. Lemon also later explained that nine was the lowest option and the Eagles actually suggested it.
As for whether he tried to get No. 6 – the number he wore in college – from DeVonta Smith, Lemon quipped that Smith let him know that it was not up for discussion.
On Jalen Hurts
“I haven’t got to meet [Jalen Hurts] in person yet, but definitely soon, when all the guys are back and he in the building. But definitely, such a great person – besides the player that he is, such a great player, but just the personality he is, just how he carries himself. I’m definitely, you know, want to learn from him and just to get around him. Seems like a cool guy.”
