A big downfall for many young NFL players is that they lack maturity and professionalism. Everyone is talented in the NFL, but to get a real opportunity, rookies need to be professional. So far, Makai Lemon is showing he has both of those qualities.
In a recent article, Geoffrey A Knox highlights Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s thoughts on Makai Lemon:
“One of the names generating the most intrigue right now is Makai Lemon.
That shouldn’t surprise anyone. Philadelphia traded up and used premium draft capital to acquire him. Whether or not certain offseason rumors ever amount to anything, the rookie wideout was always going to command attention. His development matters because explosive young receivers don’t get drafted in Round 1 to blend quietly into the background. Sean Mannion’s early assessment shared during his first press conference only adds to the excitement.
That’s exactly what coaches want to say about rookies. Physical talent gets players drafted. Professional habits determine how quickly they earn trust. Mannion’s comments suggest Lemon is already checking the right boxes. That matters because rookie receivers, especially those expected to contribute immediately, can struggle if the mental adjustment lags behind the physical gifts.
The Eagles may have drafted talent. Sean Mannion seems to believe they drafted a true professional.”
Talent can only get you so far in the NFL, and for rookies, it is especially hard to get through the growing pains. The early return has been great for Makai Lemon, and he is now primed to be a pivotal member of the Eagles’ offense. Having the trust of the offensive coordinator and eventually the quarterback will make it possible for Lemon to put up big numbers in year 1.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Makai Lemon makes great first impression with Eagles’ coaches
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
