Howie Roseman’s latest draft class isn’t looking great to start the 2026 NFL training camp sessions for the Philadelphia Eagles.
After spending high-end picks on Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers, both rookies have had their fair share of struggles throughout the first week of camp. The former started off with a quiet run before going down with a hamstring injury.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman Compares Struggling Rookie to All-Pro
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 30: Makai Lemon #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches the ball during training camp at Jefferson Health Training Complex on July 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
This week, Roseman spoke on Lemon’s summer so far, and he made it clear that while these few weeks are important, they can’t define a player’s career.
The longtime General Manager knew just who to point to as an example.
“I talked to [Makai Lemon] the other day and I reminded him of a rookie who was banged up in training camp a couple of years ago. His name is Cooper DeJean,” Roseman told Kay Adams on ‘Up & Adams’.
“He didn’t play until our third preseason game. He didn’t practice until then, because he got hurt. [DeJean] was kind of hurt through the draft process, got hurt during our mini camps, and he turned out to have a phenomenal rookie season. It’s a marathon this season, and so many things are going to happen.”
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 16: Cooper DeJean #33 of the Philadelphia Eagles takes the field prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Roseman didn’t hint at any idea that Lemon would need to be held back due to missing time right now. In fact, it sounds like the GM is anticipating a DeJean-like turnaround when the lights get brighter.
“For us, just keeping our heads in it and understanding for Makai that it’s first game and last game,” Roseman stated. “Let’s make sure that he’s in a great spot to play really well in the first game and last game, and can contribute to this team because we’re going to need him.”
The Makai Lemon Experience
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 28: Makai Lemon of the Southern California Trojans participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old wide receiver spent three seasons playing at USC.
During his third and final year, Lemon appeared in 12 games. He caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Eagles snagged Lemon with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, famously grabbing him right before the Pittsburgh Steelers planned to take him.
Since firing up offseason activities, Lemon suffered a hamstring injury in OTAs. He missed all of mandatory minicamp and has been out for the last couple of training camp practices.
DeJean is obviously a great example. The former second-rounder started nine out of 16 games as a rookie, and contributed in a big way to a Super Bowl-winning season. By year two, the 23-year-old was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro.
It won’t be easy for Lemon to follow that blueprint, but the history is enough to convince doubters to pump the brakes.
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