The Eagles drafted Makai Lemon for his speed, playmaking ability and long-term upside at wide receiver, but the rookie could find his earliest opportunities on special teams. Special teams coordinator Michael Clay said Thursday that Lemon is among several players being evaluated in the kick-return competition as Philadelphia continues to install roles during the offseason.

“Everybody’s part of the kickoff return rotation,” Clay said.

Lemon enters Philadelphia after two productive seasons at USC, where he totaled 58 receptions for 852 yards and six touchdowns while appearing in 21 games with six starts. He also flashed impact ability as a return specialist, posting 514 kickoff return yards on 19 attempts, averaging 27.1 yards per return with a long of 80 yards. Clay noted Lemon’s return opportunities at USC were partially limited because of former teammate Zachariah Branch, one of college football’s most dynamic return specialists.

“Makai, obviously he had that one year at USC where he was really good,” Clay said. “They had Zachariah Branch, obviously hard to pass up that guy.”

Philadelphia’s coaching staff has already seen traits that could translate to special teams production. Clay praised Lemon’s approach during early offseason work, pointing to his willingness to contribute across multiple drills in practice.

“He’s out there in the tackling drills Clay said.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles rookie Makai Lemon emerging as kick return option