Hold up, y’all. Eagles first-round draft pick Makai Lemon, the dude we’re all hyped to see catch bombs this season, actually played corner at USC. Yeah, you read that right. A wide receiver with defensive back snaps under his belt from college? That’s the kind of wild versatility that makes you stop scrolling and wonder what this guy can really do. This isn’t just some casual sideline chat either, this comes straight from his former USC teammate, Calen Bullock.
Bullock Spills the Beans on Lemon’s College Grind
Calen Bullock, a new Texans teammate to former Eagles undrafted free agent Reed Blankenship (who just landed a huge new contract, by the way), was on the “Exciting Mics” podcast with Blankenship and Cooper DeJean. Bullock overlapped with Lemon for one year at USC, and he dropped a bombshell: Lemon wasn’t just catching passes, he was defending them! Bullock explained that a ton of their corners were hurt that season, and since Lemon played both receiver and corner in high school, they had to call him over to the defensive side of the ball. We’re talking 18 defensive snaps in his 2023 rookie season in college, according to Pro Football Focus. Think about that! A future first-round NFL receiver stepping up and playing defense because the team needed him. That’s pure grit right there, and it says a lot about the kind of player the Eagles just drafted. Eventually, he made his way back to offense, but the defensive experience is etched in his resume.
A ‘Dog’ with a Chill Vibe? Sign Me Up!
Bullock didn’t just share stories of Lemon’s defensive past, he absolutely raved about his work ethic, calling the rookie WR a “dog” ever since his early days in college. You love to hear that about a young player, right? That relentless drive, that killer instinct, it’s what separates the good from the great. They didn’t get many chances to go head-to-head in practice, mostly because Lemon was dealing with some injuries during their overlapping year. But Bullock was clearly stoked to see how Lemon grew and developed every single year. And his personality? Bullock says Lemon’s a really chill guy who’s super funny once he gets comfortable. So, we’re talking about a hard-nosed worker, a versatile athlete, and a good locker room guy. What’s not to love about that package?
This kind of background for a first-round pick is just awesome. It speaks volumes about Makai Lemon’s athleticism, his football IQ, and his willingness to do whatever it takes for the team. Knowing he’s got that defensive experience, even if it was just for a short stint, adds another layer to his potential. We’re talking about a player who understands both sides of the ball. The Eagles are getting a high-character player with a serious motor and some surprising depth to his game. This kid is gonna be a blast to watch develop, and that versatility? It could open up some seriously interesting possibilities down the line. Keep an eye on this “chill dog” from USC, because he’s coming to play!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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